Eric McNamara has never hidden the regard in which he holds Faltering Fullback and the well-backed chestnut (5/2 this morning into 13/8) got his chasing career off to the perfect start when landing a very competitive Kevin McManus Beginners Chase.

In front before the sixth under Paddy Flood, the son of Double Trigger put in a good display of jumping (if a little brave at times) and found plenty from the back of the last to repel Lucky Wish (8s morning into 6s) and Gonebeyondrecall (well-supported too) by a length and three parts and three lengths.

McNamara said: "The horse is named after a part owner, Michael Fitzsimmons, who has a pub in London of the same name. This fellow is a lovely prospect and he jumped very well apart from one or two slight novicey mistakes. He has done a lot of schooling in the last month. He is slightly better going right-handed. He'll have at least six weeks off before his next run as he is a lean horse and he just needs a bit of time. Hopefully he is a horse with a future."

Paul Carberry was stood down for the remainder of the day after taking a fall from Dream Champion at the second.