Balbir Du Mathan gave connections an immediate return on their investment when making all at odds of 14/1 in the Davis Civil Engineering Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

The French-bred failed to score for Barry Connell but raced at quite a high level over the past few years, and was snapped up for £17,000 this summer.

Denis O’Regan had previously ridden the eight-year-old on a number of occasions, asserting two out and overcoming a mistake at the last to beat The Mooch by six and a half lengths.

The 11/4 favourite Lex Talionis was another length and a half behind in third.

Winning trainer Steve Mahon said, "The only thing I can relate him to is Carvill's Hill when I used to work in Dreaper's. I worked him last Saturday over two miles and ended up going out another mile. He's a proper horse but he's like myself, he's had a lot of problems!

"He does a lot of swimming. Cheek-pieces only went on him because he was half waiting on horses to come by him.

"I said to Denis today 'do me one favour and forget you ever sat on a horse before. Ride him with confidence'. Denis couldn't have carried it out better.

"He's in on Thursday in a beginners' chase so if his weight is right I might let him take his chance.

"He cost 300 grand four years ago albeit he hasn't won in four years. He's had a lot of problems in the past but hopefully they are all ironed out now.

"It was a bit short for him, he was running in three miles two in Cheltenham last year. I'm delighted, it wouldn't be a busy time of year for me."

(MG & AM)