The Gavin Cromwell-trained Due Course registered his second win of the season, as he justified favouritism in the William Hill Check Out Our Top Price Guarantees Handicap Hurdle.

Previously in the care of Pat O'Rourke and bought by current connections for 10,500 pounds after winning a point-to-point at Borris in April, the Sageburg six-year-old was successful at Bellewstown in August.

Third when last seen at Killarney and upped in trip today, he was sent off the 7/2 favourite (5s early) under Keith Donoghue.

Settled in mid-division before taking closer order from three out, he was left in third when two rivals exited at the next.

Ridden and sweeping through to lead before the last, he soon had matters under control and could afford to be eased close home.

The fast finishing Warm In Gorey (14/1) got to within a length and a half of the winner, with Hesasmoothoperator (5/1) and the front-running Beechfield (16/1) in third and fourth respectively.

With both still in contention at the time, General Clermont blundered badly two out and unseated Gavin Brouder, hampering Glendars Mahler who then unshipped Simon Torrens.

"I'd say the ground is very important to him and he probably doesn't want a stiff track either," Cromwell reflected.

"It's grand to win with him again and hopefully we'll look for more of the same, but the ground will probably be gone for him shortly.

"Hopefully he might win a chase too."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr R.W. Barron, rider of Beechfield, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr R.W. Barron was in breach of R.10.3(h)(arm above shoulder height) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee