After knocking loudly previously the door fairly burst open for Raphael (9/2 into 7/2) as he got off the mark in style on attempt number nine in the Christmas Party Raceday At Naas Handicap.

Once getting the split in the final quarter mile, Dylan Hogan's mount was soon gone beyond recall as he eased to a three length success from Vocal Music

Said Hogan: "Billy (Lee on Global Pass came off the rail a bit and I had loads of room and he just took off. I wanted to make sure as the boss (winning trainer Kevin Prendergast) was fairly confident this morning.

"It's great to ride a winner in these colours and thanks to the boss for putting me up. It was well deserved and hopefully he can get his head in front more in the future.

"That's my fifth winner this season and I have one more left now on my 7lb claim."

(AM & EM)