The 130-rated Mr Diablo justified odds of 2/5 in the opening 4-runner Fairyhouse Vets Promoting Equine Health Beginners Chase. He did so with the minimum of fuss too, for the father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey.

Always in the pace making role, Mr Diablo asserted from before the last to beat the eye-catching Bobbie's Diamond by four lengths.

Second market choice Pink Coat faded to be four and a quarter lengths back in third. Despite bringing up the rear of the quartet, eleven lengths behind, Jack The Wire certainly didn't go without giving hope for the future either.

"It was nice to find an opportunity like that. He'd been running well in good novice races and it's great for the owner, Aidan Glynn, to have a winner at his local track," commented Dempsey senior.

"We'll keep going with him and a bit better ground would help. I was surprised how tacky it is, and he didn't jump as well as he can. He could go for a novice handicap at Punchestown.

"The horses are running well (3 winners from last 4 runners), and hopefully it will continue."

(AM & EM)