Co Cork trainer Eugene O'Sullivan produced Head Waiter in fine fettle when overcoming an absence of 489 days since his last run, to win the Cheestrings Beginners Chase at Listowel today.

Ridden by Paddy Flood, Head Waiter improved to lead after three out but was headed before the final fence, where serious challenger Swift Counsel fell. Head Waiter then needed to dig deep to fend off the challenge of Ballymac Beauty by half a length.

Afterwards a delighted O'Sullivan said “Head Waiter is a classy horse but broke down when he ran last at Killarney in May '08.”

“Paddy (Flood) said he blew up on the run to the final fence and he should come on a lot from the run. Hopefully he'll stay sound now and we'll make plans once he stays in one piece.”