Flying in the gale took the featured Carlsberg Lager Handicap Chase as the two-day Wexford meeting began in sweltering conditions yesterday evening.

Kieran Gaule had the Strong Gale mare in a prominent position throughout. A fine leap at the penultimate fence proved crucial, combined with the exit of the Pokono Trail at the last as the eight-year-old beat Antarctic Wind by three and a half lengths.

Regal Dancer got Meath handler Tom McCourt off the mark for the Flat campaign when leading a furlong out to beat Set The Scene by half a length in the Tuskar House Hotel & Junction Nite Club Handicap. Colm O'Donoghue's mount was returned at 20 to 1 but paid a massive £159.30 on the Tote.

Perfect Peace, the only horse in training with Clonmel permit-holder Liam Casey, made all under David Casey in the opening Festival (Mares) Maiden Hurdle, while in the bumper amateur Morgan Dunne partnered his first winner under rules with Brancardier.