Capture The Drama sprang a 33/1 surprise in the Tipperary Racecourse Handicap Chase, providing his rider Eoin Mahon with his first track success.

The Aengus King trained ten-year-old, who once won at 100/1, finished last of fourteen over hurdles at Wexford on Saturday, and had been out of form since successful at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day.

Dropped in trip to two miles today, the son of Dushyantor made virtually all. He was pressed and joined by Well Joey approaching two out, but he soon went on again. Crocodile Dundee then threw down a challenge before the last, but the winner proved game under pressure, and stretched clear on the run-in, going on to score by five lengths.

The aforementioned Crocodile Dundee (10/1) had to settle for second under Bryan Cooper for his father Tom, while Well Joey (8s to 5s) was another four and a half lengths back in third with Sean Flanagan aboard for Prunella Dobbs. Monbeg Chit Chat was sent off the 10/3 favourite, and he fell three out when just behind the leader, badly hampering Samson Bill who then unseated Shane Mulcahy.

King, who also owns the winner, said afterwards: "When things are right for him he does the business and he is at a certain level. I was surprised he won off this mark but he can't handle heavy ground. We have to run him to keep him fit and right.

"He has won his point-to-point and eight on the track so it's unbelievable and I lost five stone riding him out every morning!

"Eoin (Mahon) comes down and rides out another horse of mine in the morning and I decided to give him the spin. He rode him lovely and he jumped super.

"We'll keep him going until the ground gets fast and he could run over hurdles next."

Mahon added: "I'm 22 and that's my first win on the track. I've had four in point to points.

"I'm from outside Gort and I work with lads in Clare and Galway. I ride out for Derek O'Connor as well and he is a big help to me."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.P. Treacy, rider of Joxer trained by W. Harney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount struck into himself.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Grey Mountain Mist trained by E.Sheehy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout.

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Capture The Drama, trained by Aengus King, placed first compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who reported that his charge did not handle the heavy ground on his previous chase start. Mr. King also stated that his charge appreciated today's underfoot conditions and also got his own way during this race which in his opinion were contributing factors to the improved performance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes