De Valira back in the winners enclosure

On just his second start over fences De Valira got his head in front for the first time since April of 2007, as he took the Cheesestrings Beginners Chase for his trainer James Morrissey with Paul Townend in the saddle.

One of the country's top Novice Hurdlers in the '07/'08 season for his then trainer Michael O’'Brien the son of Shantou has had his problems and was off the track for well over a year at one stage.

Since coming back from that absence his had failed to win but had put in some good efforts in defeat.

On his first start over fences last time out at Killarney he found just one too good, as he went down by three and a half lengths to outsider Delphi Mountain..

Today however he went one place better in a race that should produce plenty of winners.

Always prominent, he was third, three out. He challenged for the lead at the second last and was ridden clear after the last to score by two and a half lengths. Blazing Beacon at 8/1 ran a cracker on his chasing debut to finish second while Toomdeely at 25/1 was a further length and a half back in third.

The 11/4 joint favourite White Star Line just finished out of the placings a nose back in fourth while the other joint favourite Russian War fell four out.

Winning trainer James Morrissey, who was recording his first track win since May of 2009, said afterwards: "He is owned by Glanmire businessman Donal Mac A'Bhaird. He must be the most paitent owner I know.

"This fellow has had his problems and if he is in one piece tomorrow morning we will have more fun with him.

"He was entitled to win, he is a good horse and we will just see how he is in the morning."

Donal Murphy