Once Theatre Mill (9/2) assumed the lead after jumping the fourth fence of the beginners’ chase in Limerick he doggedly retained it and fended off Juan De Gracia at the finish.

He put in a sketchy jump at the second last but a super jump at the final fence enabled him to maintain the gap to Juan De Gracia (11/2). It was confirmed to be a length and three parts. Rafi De Triana the 7/4 market leader, closed on the front two turning for home, but third was as good as it got for Liz Doyle’s charge. He was four and a half lengths off the runner-up.

Paul Nolan trained the winner and he reported: “It was a great bit of prize money to win for a beginners’ chase. He’s a 120 rated hurdler and he beat Bishopslough when he won his maiden hurdle on ground like the road.

“I was worried he would be a little short. Puppy (Robbie Power) said he was very brave and braver than he was at the second last. He’ll be kept on the go for the summer.”

Theatre Mill picked up €10,350 for winning today. There was plenty of money around for Theatre Mill as he was 8/1 in the morning and opened at 6/1 at the track and went off at 9/2.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes