Despite proving easy-to-back, So They Tell Me led home a 1,2 for JP McManus in the K-Mech Mechanical Handicap Hurdle.

Disappointing on his handicap debut at Bellewstown in April, the Padraig Roche-trained five-year-old was as short as 11/2 in early shows for this near three-mile contest, eventually going off a 16/1 chance.

Taking a big step-up in trip, the well-bred son of Flemensfirth was given a patient ride by Aidan Kelly, making steady headway from five out.

Pushed before the last and soon in a narrow lead, the bay victor drew clear when ridden on the run-in and came home three-and-a-quarter lengths to the good.

While he had every chance from the last, Donkeys Years (13/2) ultimately had to settle for second under Conor McNamara for his father Eric, while 66/1 outsider Everglow was another two-and-three-quarters of a length back in third.

Backed from 10/1 in early shows, Barry Lydon eventually went off the 3/1 favourite and he finished a disappointing fifth for the double seeking pair of Paddy O'Hanlon and Dermot McLoughlin.

"He was a bit disappointing the last day. It was his first handicap and they went a bit quick for him and he missed a few hurdles. His jumping was a bit better today and it’s grand that he’s won," Roche commented.

"He travelled well today and maybe the step up in distance helped as well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Padraig Roche, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of So They Tell Me, placed first, as compared with its most recent run. Padraig Roche reported that the last day was his first run in a handicap and he was flat out the whole way and todays step up in trip may have helped to contribute to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee