St Devote justified strong support under Barry Geraghty in the two and a half miles beginners chase, although the result was only confirmed following a stewards enquiry.

The stewards looked into an incident just before the final fence where the 15/8 favourite (from 11/4) edged right and bumped market rival Ainama (2/1).

Ainama appeared to be slightly knocked off stride at the fence and was only beaten a neck but the stewards decided to leave the placings unaltered.

Winning trainer Eoin Griffin said: “He jumped well for his first run over fences. They have done a good job with the track but its as quick as he would want it. Good to yielding would be ideal for him and he's not a horse for the depths of winter. He may have one more run before Galway where he'll probably go for a novice chase.”