The Shunter rewards strong support to open chase account in 18-length romp

Strong market confidence behind The Shunter in the opening beginners' chase proved to be well placed as the upwardly mobile performer made it two wins from three starts since joining trainer Emmet Mullins and owner Paul Byrne.

A general 7-2 shot earlier in the morning, the useful seven-year-old overcame some uninspiring jumps to get off the mark at the third attempt over fences, sent off the 11-10 favourite and scoring by 18 lengths.

The ready winner had earlier this summer been involved at the centre of a record €6,000 fine for his trainer under the non-triers rule when jockey Brian Hayes appeared to tenderly handle the newcomer at Tipperary back in July.