It was going to be either Play The Game (85/40) or Pakens Rock (6/4) from some way out in the John F. McGuire Beginners Chase. Second favourite eventually beat market-leader in the sixth event at Listowel.

Winning trainer John McConnell has been having plenty of success lately, and Play The Game proved well up to making a winning chase debut in the hands of Brian Hayes.

Pakens Rock tried hard over the closing couple of fences in the straight, but in the end had to yield by three and a half lengths.

"He jumped brilliant - usually around here you need an experienced horse to go around here because they take jumping,” said Hayes.

"John said he is a real natural even though he isn't the biggest but fair play to John he had him well schooled in tip-top shape for today. His horses are flying and it's nice to ride a winner for him.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Automatic trained by W.J. Burke, reported to the Clerk of the Scales, that his mount burst a blood vessel in running, this was was later confirmed by the I.H.R.B. Veterinary Officer.

(TW & EM)