The John McConnell trained Play The Game sprang a surprise in the Best Odds Guaranteed With BetVictor Handicap Hurdle.

Successful in a similarly competitive contest at Killarney last July, when trained by Tom Gibney, the six-year-old gelding finished last of four on his most recent effort on the level at Dundalk.

Fitted with hood for the first time today, the son of Lawman touched 25/1 on-course, before going off a 16/1 chance in the colours of owner Derek Kierans.

Settled in rear by Mark Bolger, the bay victor made good progress on the outer from the third last and swept through to lead before the next.

He was kept up to his work on the run-in, going on to score comfortably by three and three parts of a length. Ingleby Mackenzie (10/1) ran on to take second under Donagh Meyler for Eoin Doyle, while Lucky Icon (5s to 4s on-course) was a nose back in third. Sil Ver Klass (11/4 into 9/4 favouritism on-course) didn't get a clear run on the inner from three out and eventually finished a disappointing eighth.

Bolger said afterwards: "He had a couple of disappointing runs recently but he had gone like that and his work at home wasn't great. We had a change of plan today as we dropped him out and he travelled away and jumped and saw out the race really well.

"He has plenty ability but had been disappointing the last couple of runs for no obvious reason. The change of tactics worked today.

"I'm in Dermot Weld's five days a week and also go in to John (McConnell) and anywhere else that will have me."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sil Ver Klass (FR), trained by A.J.Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.

The Stewards received a report from Mr. P. L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that S.F. O'Keeffe, rider of Crazyheart had weighed in at 1.1 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that S.F. O'Keeffe was in breach of Rule 231(iii) and having considered his record, they cautioned him on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes