Eiri Na Casca justified strong support when landing the Paddy Power Cheltenham Trials Day 21st February Handicap Chase for trainer/rider Denis Hogan at Naas.

The seven-year-old gelding, available at 10/1 this morning, was further backed on track from 7/1 into 5/1 and raced prominent throughout in this two-mile event.

Hogan’s mount took it up entering the straight, and stayed on well on the run-in to beat Finea by four lengths.

The pair drew of The Conker Club who was a further 13 lengths away in third.

The son of Spadoun gained his only previous victory over a six furlongs longer trip at Tramore in October.

Hogan said, "I wasn't worried about the drop in trip as he hadn't got home over 2m6f in Galway. In Musselburgh over 2m7f I dropped him in and he probably got the trip but just ran into one.

“I had a plan in my head coming here to pop put smartly. It's great for Adrian McNamara, who is a very loyal owner. This horse is only coming into himself and hopefully will get a few more.

“I'll look for something similar. He could go hurdling at some stage but he's more of a chaser in the long run.”

(GC & AM)