Comedien coming off a 276 day break, beaten as an 11/8 favourite that day back in March at Clonmel, sprung a 16/1 surprise on his handicap bow in the Gift Horse Gallery Horse & Jockey Hotel Handicap Chase under Johnny Cullen.

Held-up, the chestnut worked his way into contention from the fourth last, got to the front from two out and he kept on gamely enough to hold off fellow outsider, Buckland Gold by a neck. There was a further three lengths back to 33/1 shot, The Penitent Man

Successful trainer, John Queally said of his charge: "I didn't expect that in his first handicap. He is no world-beater, he could have won both his point-to-points but didn't quite get home. I'm pleased that it shows that the horses are in form going into Christmas."

The money horses, Templers Hall and Wheels Up could manage only fourth and fifth places respectively. (EM)