The Mouse Morris trained Baily Moon got off the mark at Wexford today, winning the Vinegar Hill Beginners Chase on his 14th attempt, under former Champion Jockey Paul Townend.

Townend’s mount led from the fourth fence and made the rest of the running to beat Go It Alone by two and a quarter lengths. One-time Albert Bartlett Hurdle runner-up and well backed 13/8 favourite Milsean failed to recover from some jumping errors and in the end was a further length and a quarter behind in third, on chasing debut.

Following the race Morris, registering his first winner of the new season, said “it has been a while coming and the horses haven't been right.

“He jumped super and hopefully the horses are coming right again now. He might go for something like the Midlands National."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy