Whatareudoingtome sprang a shock as he edged a good battle between two 25/1 shots in the Yellow Furze Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

The High Chaparral gelding was well held on his handicap debut at Punchestown last month but was taking a significant step up in trip to 2m7f today.

Luke Dempsey, riding in the JP McManus colours for his father Philip, held his mount up before taking closer order turning for home. Some Drama hit the front at the third last but was pressed from the penultimate flight by Whatareudoingtome, who stuck to his task well on the run-in to get up on the closing stages for a length-and-a-half success.

“The trip suited him and he jumped great. It's a nice surprise,” said Dempsey senior afterwards.

“He should make a nice chaser in time. He's only a four-year-old and was getting all the allowances.

“We'll probably looks for something similar, although as he's just a four-year-old he won't be knocked about.”

Former top hunter Tammys Hill was sent off the 3/1 favourite but came under pressure four from home and could only finish fifth in the end.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)