Sang Bleu ploughed through the mud in the opener at Fairyhouse to take the novice handicap chase in good style.

Sean Flanagan 's mount travelled well into the lead before the second last.

He kept on well in the closing stages to post a three-and-a-half length victory over Karinga Queen Summer Seeds was 14-lengths back in third as only three finished in the gruelling conditions.

"I'm delighted. He wasn't right the last day at Gowran and conditions suited him today," said winning trainer Pauline Gavin.

"He had no weight on his back and a good man aboard. We'll find something similar for him.

"I think he'll go on better ground so we'll keep him going during the summer. There wouldn't be anything at Punchestown for him."