Punters got it spot in the Kepak Flat Race, as the Noel Meade trained Mr Showtime lead home market rival Torrent Des Mottes

The winner, who opened at 5/2 on-course, was sent off the 2/1 favourite, while Torrent Des Mottes drifted from his opening show of 7/4 out to 9/4.

Mr Showtime finished third on his debut over the course last October, but failed to get off the mark in six starts since, finishing second on three separate occasions.

Back on quick ground this evening, and stepping up in trip to two and a half miles, he was settled in third by Danny Benson.

The son of Curtain Call improved into second before the straight, and travelled strongly to challenge the front-running Torrent Des Mottes with two furlongs to race.

He soon got to the front, and was ridden out inside the final furlong, keeping on well to score by four lengths.

The aforementioned Torrent Des Mottes had to settle for second under Patrick Mullins for his father Willie, while the Gavin Cromwell trained Two In One (4/1 from 5's) was another seven and a half lengths back in third under Anthony Fox.

Noel Meade said afterwards: "He was a totally different horse on that ground and travelled like a dream. He'll go on for the summer now.

"He’s from the same family as Denman and will run over two and a half miles plus. He was a bit unlucky not to win one day at Tramore. He'll go jumping now."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed Mr H.P. Cleary, rider of The Carlow Tank concerning his use of the whip in the back straight when out of contention. 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 Mr H.P. Cleary was in breach of R10(3)(b) by the unnecessary hitting of his horse after it's chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone and consequently cautioned him.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee