The in-form team of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh were on the mark yet again as Bishopsfurze got his chasing career off to a winning start in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

The two and a quarter mile event developed into a three-horse race from a long way out as the pace-setters Jim Will Fix It (7/1) and the well-backed 11/8 favourite Rathlin were joined by Mullins' charge four fences from home.

Rathlin was the first to weaken after the second last but an awkward jump by Jim Will Fix It at the final fence probably made the difference as Bishopsfurze (7/4) prevailed by half a length with the two principals seperated by the width of the track.

Willie Mullins said, “Ruby was very good on him as he hasn't got the reputation of being a fantastic jumper. But he really put it up to the horse four out and the horse responded.

“He'll probably have to go up in grade now. I'd like to keep him to country tracks but there are very few winners-of-one races at the country tracks,” he added.