Favourite backers got burned in the beginners chase at Limerick as the counting of winnings on Johannisberger turned to looking for the bus fare home as Argocat stayed on strongly for the upset.

Johannisberger (5/4) and Paul Carberry appeared to be going nicely as they saw off co-leader Mackeys Forge coming to two out, but Argocat and Andrew McNamara crept closer and challenged at the second last to bolt up.

The winning margin in the extended two mile three furlongs race was six and a half lengths while Mackeys Forge was another eight lengths back in third at 9/2.

Successful trainer Tom Taaffe said: “He was the highest-rated hurdler in the race and the four-year-old allowance was a great help.

“He’s a tall horse and I always felt that he would be better over fences. He was murdered last time at the second last, but he jumped very well today.”

(On course reporting by Thomas Weekes)