Indian Outlook (right) and Back Off Mate tussle at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Paul Townend gave Indian Outlook a confident ride from the front to land the Frank O'Beirne Memorial Beginners Chase at Sligo.
Teelin Star had been in front early but surrendered the lead at the fourth as Townend moved up on Indian Outlook.
It turned into a two-horse race from the second last as 11/4 favourite Back Off Mate (from 10/3) came through to challenge the front-runner.
A better leap at penultimate fence gave the advantage to 9/2 shot Indian Outlook but his rival closed again at the last.
Townend always looked like he was in control, however, shaking up Indian Outlook on the run-in to record a length-and-a-half success on the Adrian Maguire-trained gelding.
The winner, a point-to-point graduate, was making his first start over fences having shown significant improvement on the third of three hurdles outings at Killarney in late August.
“He's had a little bit of trouble and that's why we own him,” said Maguire, who trains the winner for his wife Sabrina.
“I wasn't worried about the ground. Paul gave him a super ride. He didn't complicate things and got into a lovely rhythm.
“Hopefully he stays sound and he can mix it between hurdles and fences.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
