The father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey caused something of a surprise when successfully teaming up with Dinnie’s Vinnie in the Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase at Thurles.

The Vinnie Roe gelding landed a real touch (33/1 into 9/1) when gaining his only previous win under rules at Fairyhouse last spring but has been generally disappointing since.

The nine-year-old was prominent throughout in this three-mile event, and stayed on strongly in the straight for a convincing victory.

The 14/1 chance had three lengths to spare over Flynsini with 7/4 favourite Paper Lantern making no impression after a mistake two out a further 16 lengths back in third.

Philip Dempsey said, "That was great and I'm delighted for him. The Fairyhouse run (last time) was desperate but the lads (TFC Syndicate) wanted to give him another run and we left everything off him today.

"I got a fall off him when he ducked out from under me before Fairyhouse and I got a broken wrist over him. He's a funny ould devil and can put in some dreadful runs and I wasn't sure if this was his last chance.

"The lads were keen to persevere with him and they've got two wins out of him now - he'll go for something similar next."

(TW & AM)