The Irish Daily Mirror Handicap Chase turned into a messy race but for backers and connections of 6/1 winner Rogue Trader that'll have mattered little at Punchestown.

J P McManus owns Rogue Trader, and he also had 3/1 favourite Oscar Knight in the mix.

That fellow was there with every chance when pecking badly two out. Vinnie Luck done some of his opponents no favours when falling at the third last when in front.

There was also crowding in the straight when plenty still held claims, but in the end the Tom Taaffe-trained and Robbie Power-ridden Rogue Trader was strongest from the back of the last, to beat Art Of Payroll by two and a quarter lengths.

"He'd been away a few times and had done plenty. I was delighted with the way he jumped, and he's bred to stay. It's good to get him back on track," said Taaffe.

P. Townend, rider of Topper Thornton trained by C.A.McBratney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and jumped poorly.

(AM & EM)