Rasiym scoots home around Kilbeggan

Edward O'Grady's Rasiym defied 12 stone to decisively win the first split of Kilbeggan's 80-116 handicap hurdle.

He was given a squeeze by Paul Townend approaching the home turn and made good headway on the outer.

The five-year-old gelding then swept past 11/4 favourite Moonball before the last and moved clear jumping it.

The 3/1 chance strode in by three and three quarter lengths from the favourite who could give no more once headed. Enzani was the same distance away in third at 10/1.

Paul Townend said: “The race was run to suit him and he quickened up nicely. When he’s good he looks very good, but things need to fall right for him.

“He looked good when he won in Tipperary before. When it happens for him he looks good and he can be flattered a bit.”

This was the French bred's second career victory as he also obliged in Tipperary almost a year ago.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee