The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase was won by 13/2 chance Farceur Du Large

The grey son of Turgeon, previously fourth in each of his three completed starts over fences, raced in second early on before disputing the lead from the fourth fence. He went on after three out and kept up the gallop to account for Flash De Touzaine (9/1) by three lengths. The 9/4 favourite Millen To One was a further nine lengths back in third.

The Noel Meade-trained winner struck over hurdles at Downpatrick last season and seemed to enjoy himself much more on this occasion in contrast to a very laboured display when a beaten favourite at Limerick over Christmas.

Walsh said:- “It was a nice performance. All he does is jump and gallop, bar one mistake today, but he toughed it out well.

“I rode him around here last month, in a good beginners' (won by Stattler), and it was nice run. He's improving all the time.”

Quotes from Gary Carson