Bowmore got his chasing career off to a winning start when taking the opening Tipperary Races Beginners Chase in the hands of Rachael Blackmore.

The six-year-old gelding was adding to a maiden hurdle win at Wexford last summer and travelled well to lead after two out in this 2m1f event.

The 6/1 chance was pressed by Jet Setting Jim when that rival fell at the last, and Henry de Bromhead’s charge kept on well on the run-in to beat 11/8 favourite Thecompanysergeant by four lengths. Genois was a further four and a quarter lengths back in third.

De Bromhead said, “He really jumped brilliant and Rachael was brilliant on him. We were hoping that he would improve for a fence and it looks like he has.

“I’m delighted for the Halsalls who have been very patient and it’s nice to get him off to a winning start over fences.

“He could go for a novice at Galway. I often queried how well he stays but that was a bit over 2m1f so we’ll see what options there are.

“Nice ground suits well and he doesn’t want soft ground.”