The break neck pace played into the hands of Initiation as he landed the Knockanglass Stables Handicap at Tipperary. Mrs Batt went off clear in front but came back turning for home and Pat Smullen soon took over on Initiation.

He kept on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half success over Slapper

"That's a very welcome success," said winning trainer Joe Murphy afterwards.

"The handicapper might have got him now. He's not the most straight forward but the fast pace suited him as he's very strong.

"Pat gave him a great ride. We'll probably head to Galway now for a seven furlong handicap."