Rathgar Beau scored an easy success in the MacLochlainn Road Markings Limited Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday.
The Dusty Sheehy-trained runner, sent off the 6 to 4 favourite for the two-and-a-half-mile Grade Two contest, accelerated away on the run-in to beat Central House by seven lengths with Nil Desperandum back in third.
Central House was in front four fences from home but he made a bad mistake at that obstacle, letting in Nil Desperandum and Rathgar Beau, who was travelling ominously well in third.
Approaching the second-last Central House was still in front but Shay Barry was poised to strike on Rathgar Beau and after jumping the last, he easily pulled away.
Native Upmanship was bidding for a fourth successive win in the race but he quickly faded out of contention after leading on the second circuit, while 2003 Grand National winner Monty's Pass also failed to figure.
Rathgar Beau is now 20 to 1 from 25s for the Champion Chase with totesport following his win.
Although Monty's Pass was some way off the pace, jockey Barry Geraghty, was pleased enough with his run.
"He ran a nice race. Running a 12-year-old over two-and-a-half miles always meant the trip could be too short," he said.
Tony McCoy's trip back to Ireland paid off when he partnered Adarma (4 to 1) to land the Durkan New Homes Anaglog's Daughter European Breeders Fund (Mares) Novice Chase for owner JP McManus and trainer Christy Roche.
