Court Cave continued on a sharp upward curve when completing a hat-trick in the Paud, Sarah & Mary Fitzmaurice Memorial Handicap Chase at Listowel.

The Noel Kelly-trained gelding won over hurdles at Perth and Down Royal on his previous two starts but was easy in the market as he reverted to fences on a softer surface.

Jody McGarvey gave the six-year-old gelding a patient ride before making smooth headway to challenge at the second last.

The 6/1 chance, having drifted out from 5/2 overnight, drew clear on the run-in to beat Likable Chancer by four lengths with Cahirdown Boy a further six lengths back in third.

Kelly said, "Myself, my daughter Mia and a friend Tiernan McCusker left home at 5am and it took seven hours to travel down. I had fed the horse at 4am and while it was a long journey, it was worthwhile! We stopped for tea and half-hour breaks.

"We were a bit unsure whether he'd handle the ground or not but he obviously did. He travelled well the whole way and jumps for fun. He keeps improving and we train him from the field as he gave us a lot of problems in the stable. He has turned inside out.

"He is entered for Clonmel on Thursday and we might put wee Oran McGill back up on him as he was away on holidays in Spain this week."

Kelly trains at Draperstown in County Derry.

Quotes by Tom Weekes