Liz Doyle praised jockey Richie Deegan following his winning ride on the trainer's Yabo (7/2) in Gowran's MW Hire Group Beginners Chase today, having got the better of clear front-runner Willywampus

Willywampus (15/8f) was sent into a clear early lead and while Yabo gave chase, was still well adrift at the fourth-last. However Deegan gradually bridged the deficit, led at the second last and kept the mare going, beating the front-runner by 11 lengths.

Doyle said “she was due her turn and got a very intelligent ride. Her experience jumping helped in this ground. She is a low grade mare and we’ll go handicapping now.

“I was a little worried about the heavy ground first time out (since April) but she’s keen and does a lot at home. He gave her a lovely ride.

“It’s great for the owners Sis and Ned Power as Sis is not too well at the minute and we are all thinking of her.”

Jockey Deegan, with 23 wins last term, has won three Graded winners this year and recently partnered a first winner for trainer Joseph O'Brien.

Quotes from Alan Magee