Harpsy Cord and Highbrow Blue dominated the betting for the Noel Cummins Bookmakers Chase but it was the Eoin Doyle trained Days Ahead who came out on top under Martin Ferris.

The seven-year-old son of Kheleyf started at just 4/1 this morning but he was friendless with punters, opening on-course at 8's, the price which he was returned.

Held up in third the chestnut victor made progress into second at the fifth last and he came with his challenge after the three out.

He gained a narrow lead before two out and was ridden to assert before the last, keeping on well from there to score by seven lengths.

Highbrow Blue had no more to offer once headed and he finished second under Davy Russell for Paul Nolan at 7/4.

Harpsy Cord was sent off the 4/5 favourite but he folded tamely when ridden after five out and finished a distance last. He was later found to be clinically abnormal post race.

Eoin Doyle said afterwards: "That was grand even though we will be in trouble again with Noel O’Brien!

"Small fields suit him, he just thinks about it a bit in big fields. He got into it and got a rhythm going today.

"He is in again on Sunday in a hurdle that he finished second in last year and if he is alright again the morning he will probably be declared for it.

"We will keep them all going now as we are only out the road!"

STEWARDS REPORTS

A.E. Lynch, rider of Harpsy Cord trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount slipped into the third fence and lost his confidence jumping thereafter.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Harpsy Cord, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.