First winner under Rules for Tralee man Ross Sugrue

Unplaced in five starts since winning at Leopardstown last Christmas, Galon De Vauzelle (10/1) returned to form with a vengeance to run out a wide-margin winner of the John & Terry Moriarty (QR) Handicap Chase.

Kerry native Ross Sugrue, partnering his first winner under Rules, was sporting the silks of Tom Doran and brought the eight-year-old from mid-division to lead three out after which the blinkered French-bred went away to beat Decimation by 12 lengths.

Rothwell quipped: "I gave Ross his first point-to-point winner a few years ago and that day, was standing next to his Dad, who I didn't know. When he asked how he'd run, I told him 'he'll win if he stands up but is a terribly bad jumper', so when he told me who he was, I said 'oh holy Jesus'!

"I was able to say he was going out on a good jumper today and it was great. Tom Doran is a huge supporter and this has been a super horse for us.

"Fidelma (Elvin) normally rides for us but is out with an injury but I knew when Ross was available that his 7lb claim was invaluable, so was very happy to have him."

Sugrue (22) added: "I'm from Tralee and live beside Tom Cooper's so started off there.

"Philip filled me with confidence and I got a great spin, and he picked up well. I'm waiting for this for a while and at least it has come at Listowel.

"I'm working for Johnny Fogarty since riding a point-to-point winner for him in May and hopefully the season starts off well soon."

Quotes from Tom Weekes