The well-backed Ponmeword kept the locals happy at Limerick as the Eric McNamara trained gelding took the Sliabh Luachra Handicap Chase in good style.

The 8yo son of Alderbrook never won a race before today but that didn’t stop punters from backing him as he went from his opening show on-course of 4/1 into 3/1 favourite at the off (was 9/2 with Paddy Powers this morning).

Ridden by Rob Jones he was clear at the last and stayed on well on the run-in to score by six lengths from Yeoman in second at 9/1 under Andrew McNamara.

Eric McNamara said afterwards: "He is very consistent and has been placed on numerous occasions so he deserved to get his day. It was a nice pot to win and he will probably go to Tramore now on Monday under a four pound penalty."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)