The Grade B three-mile handicap hurdle was won by 4/1 second favourite Perceval Legallois in the hands of Mark Walsh.

Just pipped in handicaps at the Galway and Listowel festivals and fourth after a break here at Christmas, the six-year-old tracked the leaders on the inner and was pushed along in third as they rounded the home turn. He headed long-time leader Grozni at the last and wasn't hard pressed to account for that rival by three and a quarter lengths. Hardy Bloke was the same distance away in third with The Gradual Slope completing the frame.

The 7/4 favourite Maxxum who was well clear of the winner when cruising home here at Christmas, weakened after the second-last on this occasion and finished down the field.

It was a winner on his first day back race-riding for Walsh who was injured at the Christmas meeting.

In-form winning trainer Gavin Cromwell said: “He was really good, he ran well at Christmas and the horses are on fire at the moment. He travelled so sweet today.

“The horses have just taken a huge step forward and I'm grateful.

“He got the run of the race, they didn't go a wild gallop. He had a nice possy and quickened well, he just did everything well.

“He's qualified for the Pertemps and after winning today he'll probably get in.”

Quotes from Gary Carson