He Rock's landed a nice touch when defying top-weight with some style in the Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase at Thurles.

Available at 40/1 this morning, and supported on track from as big as 33/1 down to 14/1 at the off, the Steve Mahon-trained gelding travelled well to challenge after three out.

The 7/2 favourite Glen Ode was disputing the lead when falling at the next, and He Rock's soon took control from this point.

Ger Fox could afford to ease him right down in the closing stages and still had nearly five lengths in hand of Truckin All Night Corporate Box and Distracted completed the placings.

Mahon said, "Coming here today I'd have been disappointed if he didn't show a return to some form and Tom Quinn (owner) had a nice few quid on him at 33's.

"I'm a dreamer but he is a horse that I've held in the same regard as Prince Of Tara who won the Troytown - he gallops all day and jumps like a buck. It's a long way to get to a Troytown but I can see this lad progressing along those lines.

"Ger (Fox) is originally from near me and reminds me a bit of Barry Geraghty when Barry was starting off. I'm not saying he's as good but he rides well and comes to me once a week to ride out and school."

(TW & AM)