The enigmatic Psycho showed his true colours with an authoritative display in the Beamish Stout Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles.

The 10-year-old disappointed in last month's AP Gold Cup at Cheltenham but his jumping was much more assured this time under Paul Carberry.

The 5-2 chance quickly got the better of the front-running Let Yourself Go in the straight and held off the late finish of Quiscover Fontaine by two and a half lengths.

Martin said: "He was unlucky at Cheltenham. He landed on top of the fifth fence and it was goodnight then.

"He jumped brilliantly and he couldn't have done it any better.

"He's been an unlucky horse and I'd suppose I'll stick him in a few races at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse and we'll see what happens in the meantime."

Denis Hogan's 33-1 chance Slippers Percy got the better of odds-on favourite Arabella Boy to land the Devil's Bit Beginners Chase.

Hogan, who was also in the saddle, said: "He showed toughness today.

"I didn't want to go for him too soon but when I grabbed a fresh hold of him he went on again.

"He beat a highly-rated horse today and we'll have to see what the handicapper does now."< Skorcher took top honours in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle for Willie Mullins and his nephew Emmet.< Glenlo Abbey was the champion trainer's first string according to the betting, but he was only third as 8-1 shot Skorcher edged out Raz De Maree by half a length.

"That was a pleasant surprise - I thought Glenlo Abbey was the best of my three," said Mullins.

"Skorcher needed that trip and he may go chasing now. I'll have to chat to the owners who might want to preserve his novice status."< Betheholygobbs (14-1) finally secured his first win at the 19th attempt in the www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap Chase, while the Cashel Mares Maiden Hurdle went to 6-1 chance Belle Brook

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