Berliet Express was a ready winner of the first division of the two-mile handicap hurdle.

Dropped out in rear by Jack Foley, the Sageburg gelding made smooth progress to lead before the second-last and went away to beat Unlaoised and 7/2 favourite Cracklinrose by six lengths and nine lengths.

Winning trainer Philip Rothwell said: “The little horse has been great but he has a wind issue.

“I thought Jack was getting there way too early, I was giving out about him in the stands.

“To be fair he kept him on the bridle and kept him travelling. There have been so many days when he looks like the winner but just doesn't quite get home.

“Running down the hill to home here in Gowran suited him and I thought it would work as long as they went quick enough in front of him early on. The race fell apart and it worked out great.

“He deserved that. He won very well in Kilbeggan last year and went up nearly a stone, he has struggled since but has been running very genuinely and very well.

“I often feel that horses that are consistently placed won't get their chance again and it's great that he did.

“He definitely won't run at Killarney on Sunday, after today his tank will be empty.”

Quotes from Gary Carson