The eight runner TipperaryRaces.ie Race looked a solvable puzzle for punters but it threw up a 20/1 surprise as Tandem prevailed under Leigh Roche.

Dermot Weld 's course winner was returning after a 434 day absence but the oldest horse in the line-up at the age of eight found most in the final furlong to defeat 13/8 favourite Motherland by a length.

A little over two lengths split the first five home. Fifth was the other Weld runner, 2/1 second favourite Ezanak under Pat Smullen.

"The last time he ran here, he won and he went to Dubai (February 2016) and got injured. But he was always a good horse and still is a good horse and I'm delighted with him," said Weld.

"I thought he might need the run but he got a lovely run on him and that's his ground. I toyed with the idea of running in a good handicap hurdle at Punchestown next Friday but may stay on the Flat now.

"I don't really have any jump horses and he may appear back over hurdles maybe even at Galway! He could run on the Flat or over hurdles there - he's a fair horse over hurdles too."

Regarding Leigh Roche Weld added "I'm delighted with Leigh, who had a very very good run in Australia last winter. He was with Chris Waller, a leading Australian trainer who trains Winx, and he did very well there.

"They wanted him to stay but he'll be going back to Australia in November."

(TW & EM)