Stamina won the day in the 2m4f beginners chase at Clonmel as Tinakellylad stayed on strongly in the closing stages to score.
Niall Madden had the gelding at the head of affairs throughout and led turning for home.
His mount jumped badly to the left at the final fence but still had plenty in the tank as he kept on for a four-length success over Kempes
The runner-up had jumped well on his chase debut but just couldn't pick up in the heavy ground over a trip which may stretch him.
"He dragged his legs through a fence at the top of the hill and might have hurt himself a bit," said winning trainer Mouse Morris.
"He's done his job now and we'll look for a winners of one or handicap for him in January."
Willie Mullins was pleased with the run of Kempes:- "He shows a lot more respect for fences than he did for hurdles. He just got drunk tired in the ground."
