Salsify and Richie Harding pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Salsify justified odds-on favouritism in the Jack Tyner Memorial Hunters Chase but he was made to work hard for the win.
The dual Cheltenham winner skipped the Festival this year after finishing second in the Tetratema Cup at Gowran earlier in the month.
Sent off the 1/6 market leader today he raced in second before jumping to the front at the third fence.
He was joined by Character Actor at three out and the duo had a great battle up the straight with Salsify getting on top in the closing stages, going on to score by three parts of a length under Richie Harding.
Character Actor was returned a 14/1 chance under Richie Deegan for Aidan Kennedy while Victoria Hill was fourteen lengths back in third.
Rodger Sweeney trains Salsify and he said afterwards: "He was out in front a long time and was idling away - my old heart gave a bit of a jump at one stage!
"We'll see how he comes out of this but while we'll look at Aintree, it'll probably be Punchestown next.
"He still has the same old sparkle and will definitely come back again next season."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed Mr R. Deegan, rider of Character Actor, concerning his use of the whip in latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found Mr. R. Deegan in breach of Reg. 10 3(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account the Stewards suspended Mr. R. Deegan for one race day.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
