Medical Card landed the Irish Independent Beginners Chase for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry, the first winning favourite of the day at Limerick at the odds of 7/4.

After putting in good efforts on his first two starts over fences both of which were over 2m 4f the son of Flemensfirth was stepped up in trip today to 2m 6f.

Having disputed the lead throughout the 7yo gelding edged in front at the last and was given a confident ride by Paul Carberry going on to win by one length from 8/1 shot Fernhurst Lad back in second.

The pair went seventeen lengths clear of the third placed horse who was 6/1 shot Big Game Hunter

Winning trainer Noel Meade said afterwards: "He shows flashes of being good at home but then he disappoints. In hindsight his run at Punchestown wasn't too bad.

"He is better off being up with the pace as that makes up his mind for him.

"He is bred to stay and his dam is a half-sister to What a Question and we will see what the handicapper does with him now."