Ipsos Du Berlais made his seasonal debut a winning one, as he took the Autumn Beginners Chase under Davy Russell for Noel Meade.

The French bred son of Poliglote was 3/1 this morning with Paddy Power, but he came in for plenty of support on-course, going from 5/2 to clear 7/4 favouritism.

Having raced prominently in the early stages, the seven-year-old grey gelding eventually settled in third.

He was fourth at the third last, but he improved between horses to dispute the lead two out, hitting the front before the last, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in to hold off the renewed challenge of Ocean Bright (11/1), for Conor Maxwell and Dermot McLoughlin, by a neck. Love Rory finished a further ten lengths back in third under Adrian Heskin for Enda Bolger at 10/1, while Pickapocketortwo who drifted from 7/2 to 5/1 on-course, fell at the third last and unfortunately suffered a fatal injury.

The winner, who has strong form over hurdles, was recording his first chase win on the racecourse, on his fourth attempt.

Davy Russell said afterwards: "We didn’t think we would be coming to Downpatrick for a beginners with him. He is just slow, and he just needs company, but he loves that ground."

Noel Meade added: "We would be thinking about a three and a half mile handicap at Fairyhouse next.

"Davy gave him a great ride, and the ride he gave him was the difference."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham