Racing: Clonmel report Rathgar Beau finally gained a deserved big-race win when landing the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase in testing conditions at a rain-soaked Clonmel yesterday.

The Dusty Sheehy-trained gelding, runner-up to Kicking King at Gowran Park on his reappearance this season before exiting at the last behind Moscow Flyer at Navan, travelled well throughout this 2½-mile event. He threw two bold jumps for Shay Barry in the straight and, after quickly going three lengths clear after the last, idled in front as the always prominent Cloudy Bays got to within half a length at the line.

"He got into a nice rhythm today and was overdue a win like that, although he idles when he gets in front. He's entered in the John Durkan at Punchestown (2m 4f on December 5th) and the Hilly Way (2m on December 12th) at Cork, and I'd like to keep him to 2½ miles", Sheehy said.

Impek was trying to give the connections of last year's winner Edredon Bleu a repeat victory but dropped away in the straight to finish a soundly beaten fourth.

Willie Mullins saddled four runners in the three-mile handicap hurdle, and Rule Supreme left his trainer both "surprised and delighted" when defying top-weight. Last season's Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner was produced with a well-timed challenge by Jamie Codd to touch off Bennie's Pride by a head.

Alan Crowe was stood down for the remainder of the day after being unseated from Adarma when the 9 to 4 favourite held every chance at the second last in the mares novice chase. This left the way clear for Nolans Pride to provide claimer Martin Ferris with his seventh winner since turning professional.

Brownie Returns was ridden up with the pace throughout by Adrian Lane in the 2½-mile handicap chase to beat No Small Plans by five lengths.