Lord Ben jumps the last ahead of Toner D'Oudairies in second© Photo Healy Racing
The Henry De Bromhead trained Lord Ben (9/2) put in a game front running display to win the first at Thurles, the Templemore Beginners Chase.
Ridden by Andrew Lynch, the 8yo son of Beneficial was challenged at the third last by the 5/6 favourite Toner D’Oudairies under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott.
However the winner found more under pressure and asserted two out but the favourite came with a renewed effort on the run-in and Lord Ben was all out to hold him off by half a length at the line.
The front duo went eleven lengths clear of the third who was the Jessica Harrington trained Chino Valdes (16/1) under Mark Bolger.
Lord Ben was not winning out of turn this afternoon, having being placed on his first five starts over fences.
He was recording just his second success today with his only other win coming in a handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan back in May of 2011.
