Favourite backers were on good terms with themselves after the www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap Chase as Federici justified strong support in the hands of Adrian Heskin.

The Enda Bolger-trained gelding, available at 11/4 this morning, was sent off the 13/8 market leader for this 2m6f event and got the better of a protracted duel in the straight with On The Shannon

On The Shannon also proved popular on track (10/1 into 7/1), and the pair were in the air together at the last.

However On The Shannon jinked right on landing and nearly unseated Shane Crimin. That proved crucial as the ‘jolly’ went on to score by a length.

There was a yawning gap of 18 lengths back to Winter Magic in third, with Banana Flambe completing the placings in fourth.

Bolger said, "He had a nice run here the last day and is a progressive horse. We'll stay local and run him at Limerick over Christmas and hopefully Adrian is available to ride him.

"He's a big part of this horse and gave him a smashing ride today and saved him all the way."

(TW & AM)