Upwardly-mobile An Peann Dearg shows fondness for Foxrock

An Peann Dearg (8/1) marked himself out as a progressive sort when taking the Listed handicap chase over 2m1f on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown by seven lengths.

He swept through to lead at the last fence and, although staying-on My Mate Mozzie looked threatening on the run-in, An Peann Dearg ran away from him in the closing stages to score decisively for Sean O'Keeffe.

The runner-up went off at 11/2 and was three-and-a-half-lengths clear of Grange Walk (50/1).

Paul Nolan said: “It’s great for Jim and Sonja (Buckley), they are very important people in the yard and it’s great to have them here and win a big pot.

“He travelled well, something similar to the last day, but he probably hit the line a little bit stronger.

“We could see it today, but the handicapper can see it as well!”

An Peann Dearg also landed a handicap chase over course and distance in December.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson