Johnny Cullen, who recently became a father to twin boys, Jack and Pierce, with his wife Annemarie, showed his customary strength to get John 'Shark' Hanlon's Caribbean Sea (25/1) home the winner of the opener at Kilbeggan.

A big jump two out saw the son of Galileo take the lead but he had to be brave on the run-in to hold the renewed challenge of Akatara (9/2 this morning into 5/2). Favourite Priors Gold was struggling to get on terms when attempting to run out at the last.

Hanlon said: "We were delayed in traffic and only just made it in time. This fellow was bought for small money from Ballydoyle.

"He jumped terrible the last day (at Cork last Sunday) but he jumped well today. He loved the firm ground and he'll go to Killarney next."