J.P. McManus was responsible for four of the nine runners in the Talbot Carlow Careys Cottage Novice Handicap Chase at Gowran today and emerged victorious with The Long Mile who lead home a pleasing '1-3-5-8' for the leading owner.

The easy to back 3/1 favourite (from 9/4) was patiently ridden by Luke Dempsey who eventually moved the son of Kayf Tara to the front on the run-in when edging past Conright Boy and scoring a two lengths win.

McManus' third and fifth placed horses Royal Reve and Weihnachts both ran eye-catching races in defeat, as each horse finished positively on the run-in under hands and heels rides.

Following the race, successful trainer Philip Dempsey, father of the winning jockey, stated “that was great. He's an idle type of a lad and he's never going to be too flash. He jumped better today in testing conditions so we're happy.

“Luke said he thought he was always happy enough in the ground.

“We'll talk to Frank (Berry, J.P. McManus' racing manager) but I suppose he'll go for something similar, and stay in novice company.

“He's a better chaser than a hurdler. He's a big horse and I'd say he grew into himself too.”

Quotes from Gary Carson