The well-backed Newcross ran out an easy winner of the last at Listowel, the Over 1000 Games At BetVictor Casino (Q.R) Race.

Successful on debut for Tony Martin at Roscommon last summer, the son of Cape Cross performed with credit on his four starts since.

He was third to Venezia on his return to action at Navan last month, and was as big as 5/1 in early shows for this extended one mile six furlong contest.

Owned by Newtown Anner Stud, the bay victor opened on-course at 7/2, before going off a well-backed 2/1 favourite under Tom Hamilton.

Settled behind the leaders, the bay six-year-old improved into a closer second with two furlongs left to race and eased to the front from the furlong pole, keeping on well from there to score easily by two and a half lengths. Pearl Of The West (11/2 to 10/3) came through to take second under Michael O'Sullivan for John McConnell, while Hot Beat was half a length back in third on debut for Ted Walsh.

UK raider Yabass was easy to back on-course (13/8 out to 5/2), and faded tamely to finish fourth once headed from the furlong pole.

Martin said afterwards: "The young lad (Tom Hamilton) was very good on him and with his 5lbs claim you were racing off your proper weight against Derek (O'Connor) and Lisa (O'Neill) so the young lad is as good as any of them.

"He is a good horse on his day but has had his issues. I don't where we'll run next as we'll take him home and see where we go. I think he needs a cut (in the ground)."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Ms B. Hampson, rider of Yabass trained by Archie Watson (in GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a noise in running.

The Stewards interviewed Miss N.C. Kelly, rider of Sweet Cassie concerning her use of the whip after it appeared the rider had used her whip after passing the winning post. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Miss N.C. Kelly was in breach of Regulation 103(d) and having considered her record, they cautioned her on this occasion.

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms Avena O'Keeffe, that Miss N.C. Kelly, rider of Sweet Cassie, had weighed in 2lbs light. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case and stated that she had lost her led cloth during the race which had accounted for her under weight at scales. Evidence was also heard from Leonard Paul Flynn, trainer of Sweet Cassie, who confirmed that he had saddled his charge correctly and stated that the rider had informed him on her return to the parade ring that she had lost her led cloth in running. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards disqualified Sweet Cassie from sixth place under the provisions of Rule 231(i) and took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes