Thedevilscoachman landed the odds on his return to chasing in the beginners contest at Galway.

Noel Meade 's charge was last seen winning the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan in February having been placed twice over fences last season.

He went to post a 5/6 shot today and tracked the leaders in the two-mile-six contest before being asked to join front-runner Sams Profile at the second last.

Mark Walsh 's mount travelled well turning for home and was always holding his rivals in the closing stages when asked for an effort. Churchstonewarrior stayed on to take the runner-up spot, getting within a length-and-three-quarters.

"The softer ground was a help to him as it slow things down a bit,” said Meade.

“He is learning as he goes along but his jumping is still a bit sticky although he jumped when he wanted him. When he asked him to come up, he came up.

"He will improve as he goes along, he goes that long trip easily and loves that soft ground. I don't know where he goes next but we'll paddle on and see how we go."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)