On the day when his former handler Michael O'Brien retired from training due to ill health, In Compliance bounced back from trouble of his own to record an impressive seven lengths win in the Thurles Chase at Thurles today.

In Compliance, winner of the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase in December '06, returned today following a 679 day absence, running out an easy winner for his new trainer Dessie Hughes and jockey Paddy Flood.

The son of Old Vic took over in front three out and, jumping well throughout, stayed on well for an impressive win over Chelsea Harbour

Afterwards Hughes, seldom one to overstate a horse's ability, described In Compliance as “exceptional” before adding “he is something to look forward to.”

He added “I have him in training three months and I thought I had him fit today, despite his absence. Two and a half miles is his trip but after winning over 2m6f today, he should get three miles.”