Presenting Julio came with a well-timed run to land the three mile handicap hurdle at Limerick under Chris Meehan.

Meehan suffered a broken leg last July when an ambulance drove over him after a fall in a hurdle race at Merano, Italy.

The 7lb claimer guided Presenting Julio into the lead just before the last and his mount had plenty in the tank as he opened up to win by two and a quarter lengths at 9/2 for Gordon Elliott. The Rite Article held on for second at 8/1, a head in front of Rohan's Pride (20/1).

Chris Meehan said: "He is very professional about his work and did it nicely. Gordon has done very well with him but we were concerned today as we thought the ground might have gone a wee bit tacky for him - he won nicely though.

"It's my first winner in Ireland - I was based in England for five years and rode a few winners there and came back and am with Gordon four or five months now and have had about 15 rides for him. It's good to get that on the board and hopefully there will be plenty more to come.

"I'm 23 and from County Down."

The Stewards interviewed J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of The Rite Article, concerning his use of the whip in in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10. 3(a), 10.3(f) and Regulation 10.4. Having taken his previous good record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended him for one race day.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes