The well-backed Cliff House defied top-weight as he ran out a good winner of the Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie Handicap Hurdle scoring under Brian O'Connell for John Joe Walsh.

The smart flat performer won on his second start over hurdles at Gowran in January but disappointed on his last outing at Clonmel.

Making his handicap debut today he was available at 6/1 in early shows, opening on-course at 4/1 before going off the 3/1 second favourite.

Having raced mainly in third he improved to take closer order on the approach to the straight and came with his challenge at the second last.

He hit the front on the run to the final flight and asserted on the flat, going on to score comfortably by four lengths. Daliyan kept on well to finish second at 14/1 under Ger Fox for Roger Sweeney while Maguire's Glen (11/8fav) could only manage third, a further length and a half back, under David Mullins for Liz Doyle.

John Joe Walsh said afterwards: "He'll mix it for the summer as he had very good form on the flat last year. I'd say he'd want an ease in the ground."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes