The well backed Honest Robber made a successful start in handicap company over fences when claiming the St Patrick’s Punter Pack Handicap Chase at Down Royal.

The ‘Shark’ Hanlon trained gelding had only made his debut as an 11-year-old last July and was having his ninth career start today.

He was produced to challenge going to the second last by Rachael Blackmore and got on top on the run-in for a three-length win over Cappacurry Zak

The 12-year-old had failed to make much impression in two beginners chase outings recently. He had traded as big as 20/1 this morning and returned an 8/1 shot on course.

“It’s a fair training performance to get a 12-year-old to win as a maiden,” said Blackmore afterwards.

“Over the three miles it’s taking a fair bit of getting out there and he seemed to relish that.”