Tully East best in heavy fog at Thurles

"No doubt about that (getting the best of things). I picked up and was gone by. I don't know how far I was gone ahead or anything though. I just know that he was rolling and we kept on rolling — he was definitely in front jumping the last," went Denis O'Regan's summation after he'd won the first at a fog-hit Thurles on Tully East (7/2) in the Killinan Beginners Chase.

"I got in a little bit tight to the second last and then he really picked up going to the last. I was a touch long but he really did produce for me," further explained O'Regan.

"I was delighted with the performance. It's great for Alan (Fleming, trainer), he's done well with him.

"I had been watching the horse last year. He did run very well in Cheltenham and a beginners chase is a great place to see where you are.

"I wouldn't like to say where we are with him until he steps up in grade. Today I was delighted with him — he jumped great.

"He picked up going to the last. He's a horse with a lot of speed and class.

"I didn't see much. Thurles do a great job and we're lucky to be racing. There's plenty of racing off. It's still okay here at the minute."

Odds-on favourite Bachasson and Total Recall (badly hampered and unseated rider) both came a cropper at the last. The Barry Connell-owned Tully East then crossed the line with five and a half lengths and seven lengths in hand over A Sizing Network (33/1) and Sunchyme (100/1).

Meanwhile Alan Fleming commented: "We're absolutely thrilled to be back on the board today and he's talented, that lad.

"I couldn't see it but Denis (O'Regan) was impressed with him and he jumped very well.

"He's entered in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas but I don't know where he'll go - we'll have a chat when we go home and see what happens."

(TW & EM)