A good jump by Bellgrove at the penultimate fence was the winning of the Tramore Racecourse Directors Handicap Chase over an extended two miles five furlongs.

Davy Russell 's mount travelled well and took a couple of lengths out of his rivals upon touching down before making the best way home by two and a quarter lengths for Pat Cloke. Holly Flight chased him home in second at 9/2.

Davy Russell said: "He loves this place. Pat does a marvellous job with him and all credit goes to Pat. He has shown how consistent he is over a long period of time. To keep him in that kind of shape for so long is a credit to Pat.

"The race kind of has to fall right for him. The change in distance for him today was something different. You'd swear he nearly thought he was finishing with a circuit to go.

"You can get it wrong on him just as quick but the owners are very understanding. It's a pleasure to ride him."

This was Bellgrove's third win over fences in Tramore.

The Stewards interviewed Mr E.P. O'Brien, rider of Holly Flight (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr. E.P. O'Brien was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and Regulation 10.3(i)(time to respond) and having considered his record, they suspended him for one race day.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy