Toofareastiswest stayed on strongly under Danny Gilligan to land the opening Molony Cup Handicap Chase at Thurles.

Runner-up over a shorter trip at this venue on his most recent start, the Shirocco gelding appeared to relish the step up to 3m1f here, as he kept on stoutly all the way to the line. Made In The Woods made most of the running but was joined by Toofareastiswest turning into the home straight. Gilligan pushed his mount into the lead soon after but had to work hard to get the better of the former, before Lady Kate came with a strong late run.

However, the seven-year-old had enough left to repel that threat and hold on to register a first win over fences.

Trainer Arthur O'Grady said: "This is my first winner for a good few years (January 2004) so it is nice to get it - Eoghan (son, previous license holder and now manager of Cork Racecourse) got a promotion!

"Toofareastiswest had a good long break before he came back in October and he has improved every day. He deserved his turn and will go for something similar. We need to get the ground and the distance for him so we'll see what's available."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.