The Book Thief recorded his first win in over three and a half years when edging ahead close home to take the Tote Mobile Betting Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan today for trainer Eoghan O'Grady. Count Salazar under Jody McGarvery, looked set to score despite an untidy jump at the final flight but threw away their advantage on the run-in when edging to the outer, allowing The Book Thief, under Philip Enright, up on the inner to record a last gasp short head win.

Afterwards a delighted O'Grady stated “that's been a long time coming! He won a bumper here a few years ago and has run well here a few times but is a long time trying to win a chase.

“He had a nice low weight and Philip gave him a good ride to get him up. There's a race at Listowel for him and hopefully the handicapper doesn't give him too much for that.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson