Emancipator placed a number of times this year over hurdles for Donie Hassett, landed a gamble when switched to fences in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Clonmel.

A rule change by HRI whereby lowly rated handicap hurdlers can gain a mark over fences without having run in a chase was used to good effect here with the six-year-old gelding justifying strong support on his first start for Terence O’Brien.

The 7/4 (from 3/1) favourite was always prominent in this extended 2m6f event and drew clear under Ambrose McCurtin early in the straight for an impressive 20 lengths victory. Clonguile Way kept on one paced to take the runner-up spot, with Clarabello another three lengths adrift in third.

O'Brien said, "We bought him from Donie Hassett six weeks ago and in fairness, he said he'd be a way better horse over fences. We haven't done a whole lot with him and didn't do enough work to find out so it was all down to Donie and Brian (Hassett).

"He had a chase rating when we got him, which will probably go up two or three pounds now!

"Fences improved him, he jumped really well and Ambrose is a great horseman. Thanks to Ambrose for getting down to 10st8lbs too as I'd say he didn't have much to eat over the last few days.

"He also has his handicap hurdle mark and we'll have plenty fun for the summer. We have the 30-member syndicate going for two years and they are a great bunch."

(TW & AM)