Double for Shane Foley
(Healy Racing Photos)

Benbecula was sent off the even-money favourite but Johnny Murtagh had a job on his hands when his saddle started to slip before halfway.

He got his mount to the front at the two furlong pole despite his handicap but couldn't hold the surge of Johann Bach.

Shane Foley produced the outsider to lead just under a furlong out and despite drifting left he was soon in command to post a three-length win over the hotpot.

It was a first winner for Patrick Harney, who trained the gelding for his mother Mary.

Harney has just the two horses in training and is based in Rhode, Co Offaly. He only took out his licence in June:-

"He's been doing everything right at home and I knew he was a good horse.

"He needed the step up in trip. We had him in a few times but were finding it hard to get a run.

"We'll probably give him a break now."

It was a double on the card for Foley who had earlier scored on Won Diamond for boss Mick Halford.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)