"He is a very well handicapped horse and while we knew there was a day in him, we thought the ground had gone a bit soft," acknowledged trainer John Ryan after Father Jed obliged at odds of 14/1 (from 20s) under Danny Mullins in the Anglo Printers 1890 624 624 Handicap Hurdle at Galway.

Other 'money horses,' Rockey Storm (3rd), Steamboat Quay (well-backed favourite, finished sixth after a mistake at the last) and Topper Thornton (pulled up) failed by varying degrees to come up to expectations, and it was left to Celtic Monarch to give Father Jed most to do.

However, two and three parts of a length split the patiently ridden principals at the finish.

"They went plenty quick and it suited him and Danny gave him a super ride. He didn't panic round the back and was ice cool," added Ryan.

"I hope he'll win again at this level and he also jumps well and can go chasing. He is in at Clonmel on Thursday but will hardly run and might go to Listowel instead."

D.N. Russell, rider of Kansas Kid trained by Patrick G.Kelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran too keen.

M.P. Walsh, rider of Steamboat Quay trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Bomber Jackson trained by Mrs. Y. Dunleavy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.

(TW & EM)