Hot Friend had the best recent form in the Ladbrokes.com Handicap Chase and he verified that fact, scoring for trainer Robert Tyner and jockey Philip Enright in convincing fashion.

Sent off the 5/1 joint favourite, he was never too far off the pace. The winning son of Environment Friend then improve to take up the running six fences from home. He went clear from before two out and stayed on well to beat Clan Music (7/1) by four and a half lengths. Fortune Seeker completed the placings a further five lengths back in third at 10/1 for Paul Carberry and trainer Brian Moran.

The other 5/1 joint favourite Adrianeo for Tony Martin and Robbie Moran (deputising for the injured Ruby Walsh) could only finish a disappointing eleventh of the twelve that finished.

It is believed the winner will now go for another Handicap Chase at the Galway Festival.