Erritt Lake and Loup Du Saubouas dominated the opening beginners chase at Thurles with the former proving stronger in the closing stages.

Paddy Flood always had the winner to the fore and had Paul Carberry on Loup Du Saubouas for company.

A mistake at the third last handed the advantage to Carberry's mount but he had to give best to Dessie Hughes' charge at the last after the pair had a prolonged duel.

Erritt Lake forged clear on the run-in to post a three-length winning margin. Kakagh stayed on to take third, a length-and-a-half further back.

Flood was making a welcome return to the winners' enclosure having only recently come back from injury.

The jockey had suffered a nasty fall from Killone Oscar at Kilbeggan back in June, breaking his collarbone as a result. His last success had been at Cork in late May.

The winner had run three times over fences last season and Hughes felt the experience stood to him.

"He's a second season horse now and showed it there. Although he is a novice for the season," said Hughes.

"He done it well and his pedigree says he's a three-miler as he's a full-brother to Bob Justice.

"Hopefully there might be something decent for him as the season goes on."