On handicap debut well-backed favourite The Big Dog (100/30 into 5/2) struck in the Grade B Punchestown Grand National Trial Handicap Chase.

Jamie Codd at ten stone eleven was a notable jockey booking for Peter Fahey’s charge, and the Wexford man’s renowned strength in a finish got the Mahler gelding home by half a length from Screaming Colours

That tells only little of the story though as the former champion amateur rode a finish without an iron.

The Big Dog had chased the leaders through the three and a half miler, and he was third at the halfway stage.

He improved to dispute the lead four out, soon in front, before making a slight mistake three out, and being slightly slow two out.

Ridden and strongly pressed at the last, the Fahey runner was soon joined before edging ahead in the closing stages.

The mare Moyhenna ran well for third, six and a half lengths back.

“His runs in all his beginners (chases) were good after coming back from a year off. I’m delighted for the Kellys (owners) as they are huge racing supporters and it’s great for them to win a good pot,” said Fahey.

“He’ll tip away in good handicaps and see how it goes. He’s lairy but you have to make plenty of use of him which is tricky in a beginners as when you force it in front he’s losing ground jumping.

“His jumping was brilliant today until he took it up and he just looks around.

“If the ground was heavy we might think about the Irish National but he’ll probably need to go up a bit to get into it. We’ll see when the time comes.

“Jamie told me the other day that his weight was good and he only had a couple of pounds to lose. He did it and it was well worth it in the end.”

Paddy Power go 16/1 from 33/1 non runner no bet on The Big Dog for the Kim Muir Chase. For the National Hunt Chase he's 20/1 from 33/1.

(AM & EM)