The PAQIT Handicap Chase looked an open affair on paper, with The Eye Of Tulla and Crowsatedappletart going off the 5/1 joint-favourites.

Ultimately, the Brian McMahon-trained former ran out a comfortable winner, making the breakthrough on his 19th career start.

Fourth, third and second on his most recent starts, the son of Watar certainly wasn't winning out of turn.

Owned by the Windswept Syndicate, the bay seven-year-old raced mainly in second under Philip Carberry and wasn't fluent six out.

Sent to the front after third last, he was pressed by Dreamsrmadeofthis before the next, but went on again on the approach to the final fence, keeping on well from there to score by eight lengths.

The Philip Rothwell-trained Berliet Express (9/1) came from off the pace to take second under Simon Torrens, while the aforementioned Dreamsrmadeofthis (7/1) was another three lengths away in third.

McMahon, who was on lead-up duties, said: "He has been promising to do that on his homework for a while but hasn't been bringing it to the track. It is better late than never though."

STEWARDS REPORT

P.T. Enright, rider of Hard Rain trained by James Daniel Dullea, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered on the approach to the first fence. The Raceday Stewards, reviewed a recording of the start of this race and were satisfied its was general bunching and couldn't apportion blame to any one rider, therefore were satisfied no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fly De Megaudais (FR), trained by Michael J. McDonagh, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes