The Grand Alliance (of politicians) Racing Club were on the mark in the Byrne Marquees Handicap Chase at Gowran today as the Noel Meade trained Tulsa Jack scored for in-form jockey Ger Fox.

Fox, who won the Kerry National last month, held the son of Urban Ocean up before making headway in the home straight, eventually staying on best to beat Best Value by half a length.

Following the win Meade stated "he got stuck in the ground a bit in Listowel and likes goodish ground and he stays well.

"Ger (Fox) gets on well with him; he jumps a bit up in the air and is careful but he knows him. He wasn't flamboyant at the last but got away quick enough.

"He races a bit lazy and probably doesn't want to be in front too long. He wants three miles on good ground.

"Ger is a good rider - he's coming on all the time, is strong and they jump well for him."

The Grand Alliance Racing Club comprises a broad (ish) range of politicians from differing parties and whose members include former Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson