Oakley Brown, recently back from injury, rode his first winner since early September when triumphing aboard Jack Dillinger in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Thurles.

Adding to a brace of hurdling wins secured in 2018, the well-related Jack Dillinger was here winning a first chase at the eleventh time of asking.

Favourite Espion Du Chenet went at the very first fence, and Scheu Time appeared to clip a heel early.

The latter did well to get himself into a position where he had every chance at the business end. However the Joseph O’Brien-trained Jack Dillinger (6/1) pulled out enough to prevail by half a length.

"It is nice to get his head in front again. He was a very decent hurdler and he obviously likes this place as his first run this year was when he finished second,” said O’Brien representative Brendan Powell.

"He jumped good, kept at it well and it is great for the owner who has kept the horse.

"He had plenty of weight today and it was Oakley's third ride back from injury. He broke his wrist in a fall in October and had a plate put in so it is nice for him and it's his second winner over fences."

At the request of the Stewards, G. Brouder, rider of Scheu Time, trained by J.A. Nash, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stumbled on the approach to the first fence.

T.N. Brett, rider of Trumps Ace trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was hampered by the faller at the first fence.

(TW & EM)