Red Striker tackles the last© Photo Healy Racing
Red Striker took the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Ballinrobe in emphatic fashion.
Paddy O'Hanlon produced him to challenge Itsalonglongroad two out and the pair eased to the front upon touching down.
O'Hanlon pushed him along to assert by the last and once he cleared it, the race was over.
The seven-year-old Sea The Stars gelding drew right away on the run-in to post an 11-length victory at 7/1. Itsalonglongroad had no answers in second at 14/1 but was seven lengths ahead of Joeswayornoway (5/1).
Red Striker won over hurdles in Sligo last month.
Trainer Andrew McNamara said: "We said we'd ride him handy but try not to get into a battle, and Paddy did exactly that to be fair to him.
"He's a Sea The Stars so he has a bit of boot and travels well even though he mightn't be the toughest. Paddy was plenty cool on him and stayed out a little too until they got down to the second-last.
"He wouldn't want it too soft, so he's not going to stay going for the winter and he's after being busy enough. He might even go back on the Flat, maybe at Dundalk.
"He had two proper injuries when he started off with us and fair play to his owner Tom McNulty for persevering with him and he's getting his reward now. This is Tom's local track so he's delighted."
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
