Covie Lad made it third time lucky over fences when claiming the beginners chase at Kilbeggan for Paul Gilligan.

Andrew Lynch produced his mount to take over from Im So Lonely after the second last and always had the measure of that rival.

He stayed on strongly in the closing stages to record a two-and-a-half length victory.

The Athenry handler has his string in fine form and said: "They are running well again thank god.

"He's a lot better horse on soft ground. The boys wanted to have a few quid on him and I just told them to be careful.

"He's after giving him some ride. There is a novice chase in Galway next Sunday and he might go there."