Willie off the mark over fences

Woodbine Willie shed his maiden tag over fences at the fourth attempt when justifying odds of 5/4 for the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase.

Brian O'Connell 's mount got it wrong two out but he responded sufficiently in a rousing finish, despite his rider losing the whip on the run-in, to get the better of Spring The Que by a neck.

Winning trainer, Philip Fenton said: "We've been a long time waiting for that. He was running in Grade 1 hurdles last season and I didn't think he'd still be a novice in April. He probably prefers nicer ground being by Zaffaran. His owner (Jim Gleeson) has been in hospital since October so this will be a nice tonic for him."