Mackey Boy benefitted from an enterprising ride by Paul Townend when making all to reward strong support in the Tote Jackpot Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

The six-year-old grey gelding was sent into a sizeable lead right from the start, although Fear Glic looked a big danger when looming up to challenge early in the straight.

However the company seemed to re-energise the well-backed 2/1 favourite, who was available at 3/1 this morning and 5/2 on track.

Townend's mount threw two fine leaps in the straight and kept on strongly to beat Fear Glic (8/1) by three and a quarter lengths. Bearly Legal (8/1) was another five and a half lengths further back in third.

Winning trainer Paddy Neville said, “He’s a lovely big framed horse but has taken a bit of time to come to himself.

“He ran well here in October but my horses were a bit sick after that. We’ve had a few point-to-point winners, and they seem to be back now. He’ll make a nice chaser.”

Philip Enright was in trouble with the stewards for an injudicious ride aboard Boss Croaker

The Robert Tyner-trained gelding stayed on from off the pace to finish fourth, and Enright was hit with a three day suspension for failing to optain his best possible finishing position. He was also ordered to forfeit his riding fee.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)