Moonlight Sapphire took full advantage of a career low mark over timber when cruising to success in the handicap hurdle at Tipperary.

John O'Shea 's charge had slipped down the ratings after some unconvincing efforts last summer.

She had also run moderately on return on the level at Wexford last month and was duly sent off a 16/1 shot here.

Sean McDermott had easy job on his hands today, however, as she cruised into contention in the straight and jumped to the front at the last.

The High Chaparral mare didn't have to come off the bridle to record a two-and-three-quarter length victory over Special Bar

"She works like a very good mare and we thought she was going to be good after her win at Galway (in July '09)," said O'Shea.

"We were thinking of giving up with her last year. She had a wind-op and I'm not sure if it was down to that but it probably helped.

"The handicapper gave her some help too. That was a bad race and he can't really kill her for winning it."

O'Shea provides McDermott with a lot of his rides and said about the pilot:-

"The spare rides aren't there. There are a lot of good jockeys and if you aren't riding winners it's a vicious circle."

Gary Carson & Thomas Weekes.