An initial mark of 116 had looked exploitable for Stuart Crawford's smart bumper horse Carnfunnock and he duly capitalised in the Bar One Racing Mobile Betting Handicap Hurdle.

Fourth over a shorter trip at this track on last month's handicap bow and with his mark untouched, he relished the extra three and a half furlongs on this occasion. Driven along in third with a few lengths to find jumping the last, he charged up the hill to nail the 17lb-conceding Lucky Max on the line.

Topweight Cash Back gave it a good go from the front but, having looked like he might hold on between the last two flights, was reeled in on the run-in and dropped to third in the closing stages.

Winning rider JJ Slevin, “The ground probably blunted his speed a bit. It was a good performance and we thought he was reasonably well treated off a mark of 116. It was nice to get his head in front.

“He tried hard and his jumping is coming on as he did jump a bit big. He got a bit more cover today and it was a smoother run through.

“He’s a hardy boy and is learning in fairness to him. He could be a horse for Fairyhouse at Easter.”

Quotes from Alan Magee