Denis O'Regan recorded his first winner as retained rider for owner Barry Connell, as he partnered Hurricane Darwin to victory in the Monty's Pass Beginners Chase.

Having parted company with Adrian Heskin, Connell announced O'Regan as his new retained rider last month.

A faller at the last when set for victory at Thurles in March, Hurricane Darwin was expected to make amends today and he was sent off the 5/4 favourite.

After racing mainly in fourth he went second after three out. He hit the front on the approach to the last and stretched clear on the run-in, going on to score by six lengths. Sue Oscar (16/1) kept on to take second under Keith Donoghue for Gavin Cromwell, while the front-running Mick Thonic (4's to 3's) was half a length back in third under Davy Russell for Colm Murphy.

Denis O'Regan said afterwards: "Of the new season it's my first ride for Barry (Connell) and it is nice to have a winner. He was a bit green but is learning his job. He should have a future."

Winning trainer Alan Fleming added: "He's a nice horse and he did it well. He jumped very cleverly for him.

"Denis said he would be better in a better race. Barry said he will go to Killarney for a winners of one over two miles six. He has plenty of schooling done since his fall and is a brave horse."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham