In-form Well Joey defied top weight in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Ballinrobe.

The eight-year-old gelding stayed on best on the run-in to put Captain Cobajay away by two lengths.

The first two home were returned 4/1 joint favourites. Athloman Cottage was three lengths back in third at 25/1.

Trainer Paul Stafford said: "He's been a good servant though I was in two minds about running him tonight.

"The ground was quick enough for him and the trip was on the short side but we took a chance.

"I'd never run him on ground as quick or over as short a distance again.

"We'll just sit and wait with him now and see what the handicapper does."

Well Joey was last seen winning by nine lengths at Downpatrick in May. Today's victory brought up his hat-trick as his winning run started at Hexham in March.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy