Westmeath Bachelor whose only previous success under rules came in a hunter chase at the now defunct Tralee three years ago, overcame an eight month lay-off to take the Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Chase.

Barry Cash had the 6/1 chance up with the pace throughout, and he kept on well on the run-in to beat An Blascaoid Mor (20/1) by two and a half lengths with the well-supported Molinero (8/1, from 14's) another eleven lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Cecil Ross said: “I was quietly hopeful although he could do with further and a little more ease. He stays three miles well but we had to go for this as it looked a moderate race. If he's okay he'll run away on safe ground.”

Alan Magee