Donagh O'Connor availed of a golden highway down the inner to annex the concluding two mile handicap in Tramore.

He sent his mount down that route between the '2' and the '1' poles and they arrived into the lead approaching the final furlong.

The pair soon asserted and strode in by a healthy three and a-half lengths at 8/1. Recent Bellewstown winner Franno filled the runner-up berth at 7/1, in front of 5/2 favourite Walnut Beach

O'Connor said: "His last two runs were good. He is getting that bit older now and a mile-and-a-half is probably a little bit on the sharp side for him. The two miles today suited him.

"He is nimble and well-able to get around these tight bends. He won over hurdles here before. The ground is drying out a bit and it helped him get the trip. He got the split up the rail, quickened well and then just had a little look. 

"He has been an unbelievable horse for connections, that's his 11th win and he always runs his race. He loves the game. I'm delighted to get a winner for his owners and another one for John (McConnell, trainer)."

The Raceday Stewards interviewed L.F. Roche, rider of fourth-placed Appian Way (FR), concerning his use of the whip throughout the final circuit of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. L.F. Roche accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found L.F. Roche was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and following photographic evidence from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer Mr. Andrew Tyrrell that he was also found in breach of R.10.3(f)(excessive force) and considering his record in this regard they suspended him for six racedays.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy