Myles Ahead (right) challenges Swantykay (left) and Beau Et Sublime at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Myles Ahead landed a tidy gamble when produced late by Ian McCarthy to take the John Kennedy Motors (Toyota) Clonmel Beginners Chase.
Backed down at all rates from 16/1 yesterday evening, the seven-year-old gelding was sent off an 11/4 chance.
McCarthy produced his mount to challenge at the last, where he got in a bit close, and he stayed on best on the run-in to get the better of the always prominent Swantykay by three quarters of a length.
The 9/4 favourite Beau Et Sublime held every chance but could find no extra after the last to finish another two lengths back in third.
The son of Desert King won a bumper and maiden hurdle for previous trainer Anthony Mulholland, and only had his first run for Ted Walsh last month.
Walsh said, "It was an ordinary race for horses rated 0-116 over hurdles, he was the highest rated horse in the field at 115. He had a run around Punchestown against horses that were going too quick for him.
"We had a few quid each-way on him and if he wasn't capable of being in the first three you would be in trouble. He jumped alright and he won.
"These type of races give you a chance and they stop people from cheating, and you can write that down!"
(DM & AM)
