Security Breach produced a gutsy front-running performance to take the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase at Listowel this afternoon.

Paul Townend bounced out in front on the Gigginstown gelding and he responded well in the closing stages when asked for an effort in the 2m6f contest.

6/4 favourite Benemeade tackled the front-runner turning for home but couldn't find a way past the the Willie Mullins-trained gelding as he stuck on well to record a two-and-a-half length verdict.

The 2/1 winner had been a well-beaten third on his chase debut at Killarney when his jumping had let him down.

David Porter, representing Mullins, said: “He did it well and jumped really well. Paul said he made one mistake down the back when he landed out on his head a small bit.

“He was foot perfect near enough everywhere else. He ran down the last two a little bit but he's still a novice.

“It was a good improvement from his last run. He had to do it the hard way out in front on his own and it's a job well done.”

Townend added:- “His jumping improved from the last day and I think it can only improve again.

“He'd be better with company and had to do it the hard way on his own. He's progressive.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)