Paul Carberry's confidence paid off on The Boxer Roche and the fact that the 10/1 shot didn't know he was in a race until the run-in helped him find what was required when put under pressure to go on and account for favourite, Oscar Dubh by three lengths in the Association Of Irish Racehorse Owners Handicap Chase.

Tony Mullins said of his first winner since early September: "I fancied him on New Year's Eve but I have no explanation for his poor run. He jumped off behind and never got into the race at any stage. I thought he'd be sick after the race but he ate up and I just don't know what happened. He'll go for another handicap but he won't be scaling the heights just yet."