The Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Rated Novice Chase turned into a muddling affair with many still holding chances approaching the business end. It was Dromnea that prevailed in the end, under David Casey for Mouse Morris at Fairyhouse.

This provided a little bit of compensation for the trainer and rider, who'd suffered a reverse in race two, when their favourite, Baily Cloud came to grief two out when leading with every chance.

Dromnea meanwhile fought off strongly-backed odds-on chance Champagne James (made a couple of mistakes), and Gallant Tipp from the back of the last, to triumph by three parts of a length and a neck. They left fourth-placer One Cool Shabra five lengths back.

"I'll find another novice for him and he'll be aimed at the good novice handicap at the Punchestown Festival. He ran a bit free but jumps well which is the main thing," commented Morris.