The first of four National Hunt races down for decision this afternoon, the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase, went to the Patrick Neville trained, Tom Doyle ridden Toomdeely at 13/2, overturning the well fancied favourite Son Amix
The winning son of Saddlers' Hall clearly has a liking for Listowel having won his only race before today over the course back on this day in 2008. He has proved disappointing since that win and went from Neville's yard to Liam Burke to Pat Martin back to Neville since then.
This was just his fifth run on his second stint with Neville and he finished a good third over the course on Sunday behind De Valira.
Today, the grey 9yo, made all and jumped well to score by a comfortable seven lengths. The evens favourite Son Amix closed on the winner from five out but his challenge quickly flattened out as Toomdeely showed no signs of stopping.
The second favourite at 4/1 Mr Nosie made a bad mistake at the sixth last and that put pay to his chance. However he did plug on to take third twenty five lengths behind the runner-up Son Amix.
Winning trainer Patrick Neville who trains at Toomdeely, Askeaton, Co Limerick, said afterwards: "It was brilliant. He had a great run here on Sunday and he was fresh and well after it.
"I was fairly confident coming here as it was a good race on Sunday. He jumps and stays well.
"I bought him first and then sold him to the syndicate. The syndicate then took him off me, which was very disappointing at the time but thankfully I have him back now and hopefully he will be a Kerry National horse this time next year.
"Tom (Doyle) gave him a great ride. He is great jockey and comes down to school on him. He is an underrated rider."
Donal Murphy
