There was controversy before racing got underway at Tipperary last night when Sharp Catch, who was sure to start a short-priced favourite, was declared a non-runner in error for the opening Golden EBF Race.

The mix-up occurred when the withdrawal of Sharp Scotch from the Munster Novice Hurdle (fifth race) was mistaken for the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly in the opener by a Turf Club official.

Amazingly, however, Sharp Catch was not allowed to run with the stewards report merely referring the matter onto the Turf Club for "further investigation and appraisal."

When the four-runner event eventually got underway, punters were in for a shock as US import Afrostar, the 16 to 1 rank outsider, made all to beat Aljjawarih by a length and a half.

Former Irish champion apprentice Willie Supple (29) is determined to make his mark in Britain and was again seen to good effect as he brought the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Dasher And Stasher home a neck winner at Ayr yesterday. Supple (29) was champion jockey in Dubai last winter.