Christy Roche admitted that the beginners chase at Kilbeggan was almost an afterthought for Ah Ya Boy Ya after he ran out a ready winner.

The gelding's original aim had been the Midlands National but he was switched when it emerged he was unlikely to get a run in the feature event.

Alan Crowe made the running on the winner and had Bronte Bay for company on the final lap.

His rival came under pressure after the second last however and Crowe just had to push his mount out on the run-in to gain a length-and-a-quarter success.

"It's grand to win with him. Alan said to put him in the novice here as he wouldn't get into the National," said Roche.

"He's been breaking blood vessels all the time and he would be a good horse apart from that.

"He always runs well and has been killing himself in the handicap. I just wanted to get a win into him.

"I gave him a long break last year and he ran well first time back. It's just great to win one with him."