Crimson Chief followed up a win at Kilbeggan last month by taking division two of the Galway Handicap Hurdle in decisive fashion at odds of 13/2.

The John Morrison-trained gelding was never too far from the pace in this extended 2m6f event and soon asserted after leading early on the run-in.

Kieren Buckley ’s mount stayed on strongly to beat Sweet Will by five lengths, with Chinook and Tullyhogue Fort occupying the minor places.

Buckley said, “Absolutely delighted with him. He gave me a very similar spin to Kilbeggan — jumped brilliant, travelled brilliant and is running away from them at the line.

“Darren (Pratt, assistant trainer) felt he would love that ground and he did.”

Buckley was riding his seventh winner since returning from the UK to base himself with Gavin Cromwell earlier this year.