The well-bred Turtle Gale showed his liking for good ground by whizzing around Tramore's tight bends, jumping brilliantly in front under Colman Sweeney, galloping on well to eclipse Quarryvale by three lengths in the Saltan Properties Hunters Steeplechase.

Ballyduff-Upper, County Waterford trainer, Pat O'Connor had a point-to-point winner at Ballyragget lately but it has been quite a while since he has seen his name up in lights on the racecourse proper.

He commented: "It's three years since my last winner on the track (Ray Boy at Cork in April 2007). I must be one of the coldest trainers in the country! This fellow is a half-brother to Cappa Bleu (2009 Foxhunters hero) and Ray Boy. He wants that good ground, it was too soft for him the last day in Cork. He'll probably go for the Champion Hunter Chase at Punchestown next week. The owner/breeder, Thomas O'Connor is no relation but he is one of my best patrons."