Big Debates bolted up in the Tim & Martin Molony Veterans Handicap Chase at Limerick in the hands of James Smith for trainer Robert Tyner.

Smith claims 7Ibs but that allowance wasn't any factor at all in helping Big Debates skip over the last couple of fences and saunter home from a trio of J P McManus-owned horses.

The one that did best of the rest was favourite Donkey Years sixteen lengths off Big Debates.

“He enjoyed himself there today. I was worried about the pace that he may end up in front, but the two JP horses went on in front which was lovely for us," said Tyner on Maurice Kelleher's eleven-year-old.

“He ran a peculiar race in the Cork National the last day. They must have gone a steady gallop as he got caught for toe turning in and then he sprinted after the last.

“It was nice and smooth today and he jumped lovely.

“The original plan was to go for a three-mile handicap hurdle here but the entry was small and we switched him to this.

“Anna McGuinness usually rides him but she’s riding in the Paddy Power for Willie and Ken Whelan recommended this lad to ride him.

“His chase mark will be a bit high after this and we might go for a three-mile handicap hurdle the next day.”

The was the first time James Smith has ridden for Tyner.

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Jacksons Gold trained by Ms. Alice Curran, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was injured in running.

(AM & EM)