Toon River s love affair with Gowran intensified when he routed the opposition in the Grade B Holden Plant Rental Shamrock Handicap Chase under Davy Russell.

The Witness Box ten-year-old has never won anywhere other than at the beautiful County Kilkenny venue, and today he successfully dropped in trip for victory number four.

Whilst the other successes came at odds of 20/1, 8/1 and 4/1, today Toon River was 'expected,' as the 3/1 market-leader.

Russell's mount had to let handicap first-timer, the well-supported 9/2 shot, Rory O'Moore 'cut it out,' up front, but Toon River assumed command at the third last.

It wasn't long before the rest were chasing shadows, and Toon River crossed the line thirteen lengths to the good from Treat Yourself who was a nose up on the aforementioned Rory O'Moore.

Miss Hallahan commented: "I was a bit worried about the drop in trip, and that it was coming a bit soon after his last run. But that was a very convincing win and I'm thrilled.

"Davy gave him a super ride. He settled well today, and he got a breather into him. If the ground goes he'll go out for some grass. That's my first Graded win and the biggest pot." (AM & EM)