The inaugural running of the Tote sponsored Connacht National Handicap Chase at Roscommon went to the Charles Byrnes trained, Philip Enright ridden Campbonnais who put a poor effort on his last start at Killarney well behind him, running out a cosy four length winner at the finish.
Of the sixteen runners who set off on the three mile journey only six managed to complete the course.
The winner improved through the field to dispute the lead from four out, he then led after the next and never saw another rival from there as he was pushed out to score from recent Ballinrobe winner Beneficial Spirit (7/1) back in second.
The French-bred winning son of Sassanian drifted from an opening price of 7/1 out to 9/1 this morning, but found some supporters on track going back into 7/1 at the off.
The 13/2 joint favourite, Model County Lass who was under pressure from a far way out finished a further twelve lengths back in third, while Sea Stallion put in a career best performance to complete the placings, ten lengths back in fourth at 20/1.
The top weight Montero ran a good race to finish fifth while the only other finisher was the other 13/2 joint favourite Another Ambition for Tony Martin and Ruby Walsh. Ah Ya Boy Ya who was backed from 10/1 into 7/1 on course, crashed out three from home when still in with a chance.
Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "In my opinion Philip is one of the best jockeys around off that weight. I was expecting a big run on that sort of ground.
"It was the first time I was ever happy with a mark given to one of my horses from the handicapper.
"The ground was too quick for him in a classy race at Killarney on his last start.
"He will go for the Midlands National at Kilbeggan now as his owner (Michael O'Leary) will be keen to have a runner there. He disappointed around there before, but I think he is sweeter this year.
