Snugsborough Benny s jockey Denis O'Regan earned plenty of plaudits from trainer Liam Cusack after victory in the extended two mile three rated novice chase at Down Royal.

The pair plotted their way around before delivering a finishing kick on the run-in to score by four lengths. Oathkeeper the 7/4 favourite, had no answer to the winner after the last but came home second.

Liam Cusack said: "We thought he was more of a chaser, he won his point-to-point and he won it well. We were just waiting for a bit of nice ground to run in Ballinrobe and he came on from it. This was a nice opportunity for him.

"First of all I must give credit to the track, they did a great job watering and it is safe (ground).

"Denis is poetry in motion! He just has a lovely pair of hands. He took his time early on, crept his way into it and the horse learned a nice bit and got a nice bit of confidence. Hopefully it is onwards and upwards.

"We'll feel our way now and we'll see how he comes out of it. He'll handle soft ground as well but we gave him a break during the winter.

"Raymond Loughnane (the owner) bred him as well. He's from Co Offaly. He is breeding from Snugsborough Benny's sister as well. It's a real family affair and they get a great buzz out of it."

The Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Ballela Boy (who finished fifth), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found J.W. Kennedy to be in breach of Regulation 10.3(c), the unnecessary hitting of a horse that has obtained its maximum placing. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended J.W. Kennedy for two race days.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Lean And Keen ridden by A.E. Lynch, placed fourth and Round Tower ridden by D. Meyler, placed third, where it appeared interference occured. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.