Espion Du Chenet powered clear from the back of the last to run out a convincing winner of the two-mile handicap chase at Thurles.

The Louise Lyons-trained gelding was given a very confident ride by Ryan Treacy as he cruised up to tackle front-runner Western Sea early in the home straight.

Having edged ahead going to the final fence Treacy asked his mount for an effort on touching down and he picked up well to record a six-and-a-half length victory over Presented Well who stayed on for second.

17/2 winner Espion Du Chenet was a course and distance winner just over a year ago and had been a close third on his most recent outing at Fairyhouse, late last month.

Nicky Teehan, husband of the winning trainer, said:- "Myself and Louise debated whether to claim off him but we said we'd stick with Ryan and he is so important to him.

“He is not the simplest and when you take him on he can be awkward with you but he gave him a super ride again - not for the first time.

"He has been amazing and was immaculate out there and jumped super.

"For some reason he seems to be improving and if he comes out of this ok he'll go to Gowran in March for a Grade B 0-145 chase.

"Louise gave him a pop this morning and there was snow on the jump and he gave it about a foot and a half so we knew he was in good order."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)