Catcherinscratcher was given a positive ride by Davy Russell to claim the beginners chase at Tipperary.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained mare cut out the running and had her rivals off the bridle three from home. El Fontan tried hard to chase down the 2/1 favourite but cried enough going to the final fence. Empire Theatre came through to claim the second but could only get within three-and-a-half lengths of the winner.

The winner had run well on her chase debut at Killarney when just failing to match Carlito Brigante in the closing stages.

"Fair play to Davy. He gave her a forceful ride and that's what she needs," said de Bromhead.

"In fairness she was beaten by a good horse in Killarney.

"Davy said she probably wasn't in love with the ground. She's very idle. She'll go to Killarney next for the 2m6f novice, which we won with Fort George last year.

"This might sound stupid but I always thought she was better going left handed. That might sound contradictory after her jumping right at nearly every fence today."

Gary Carson & Thomas Weekes