Lurgan opens his account over fences

Lurgan justified his short price after he landed the Ballycahill (C & G) Beginners Chase in great style in the hands of Paddy Flood.

Flood who made on all on Taipan gelding had the race in his hands from before the turn-in. They were clear from the last and kept on well to score by an easy nineteen lengths.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said afterwards: "He did as expected, he got stuck in the ground at Limerick the last day."

"He had a great run behind Jim Dreaper's Telenor at Navan so he was entitled to win on that performance. He will run in a handicap chase next."