Drumgill upsets odds-on Jigoro in first at Thurles

The John Ryan trained Drumgill provided an upset in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Thurles as he proved too strong for the short priced market leader Jigoro

A Grade 2 runner-up over hurdles last season, the latter was sent off 4/9f to make a winning start to life over fences.

Everything went to plan for the Gordon Elliott trained five-year-old in the early part of the race, as Jack Kennedy sat second just off the more experienced Caesar Rock

With the latter departing four out, Jigoro looked to have had his task simplified as he was left in front under Kennedy.

However, having jumped the third last, the market leader was soon joined by Daniel King on Drumgill. Travelling the better of the pair, the latter led after the penultimate fence.

Kicking on into the straight, the 12/1 chance kept on strongly to record a comfortable six-and-a-half length success.

John Ryan said: "He went disappointing over hurdles but probably got sick of it. Philip Donovan rode him the last day and wasn't too hard on him and we freshened him up since.

"He is a brilliant jumper, loved that good ground and we thought he'd run ok. I wouldn't read a huge amount into the race though as Caesar Rock was the horse I was afraid of, so we'll take what we get.

"He is related to Constitution Hill, is a smashing horse and is a brilliant jumper. He loves that good ground."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.