Moonshine Bay justified favouritism in the opener at Thurles when powering clear in the closing stages to land the three-mile beginners chase.

Robbie Power sent the 11/8 shot to the head of affairs four from home but he was joined turning for home by Westland Row

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding asserted before the final fence and galloped on strongly on the run-in to post a five length victory.

The former point-to-point winner won twice over timber last season and was fourth on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse at the start of this month.

"He did it well and jumped super. I really enjoyed that. For a beginner his jumping from fence to fence was excellent. It was a joy to ride him,” said Power.

"He stays really well and who knows where he ends up as he is going to be a lot better chaser than he was a hurdler.

“He doesn't want it any quicker than that and at the same time he doesn't want it heavy, genuine nice ground is ideal for him with the way he jumps."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)