PATRICK Mangan's bravery paid dividends for Conna Cross in the Graun Hill Suite - Perfect For Parties Beginners Chase at Tramore on Thursday.

Castlewhite led and with only Leader's Cross and Conna Cross within striking distance at the penultimate obstacle, and both under pressure, seemed the likely winner.

However, he moved away from the inside ever so slightly heading to the last and Mangan seized the initiative, driving Conna Cross (6/1) through it, and he landed running to help seal a two-and-three-quarter-length verdict.

Favourite-backers knew their fate around halfway when Double Island was pulled-up sharply.

Winning trainer Jimmy Mangan said: "That race was made for him really and it was a grand introduction for him to fences with a handy field.

"You could always see in his hurdle races that he was going to be a chaser but we won't get excited over that and will take small steps with him."

The Kings Baby benefited from an enterprising Donal McInerney ride to claim top honours in the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Supporters Club Maiden Hurdle.

The 5/2 chance was allowed to bowl along at the head of affairs and established a clear advantage that never looked like being eroded from some way out, with 10 lengths the margin back to runner-up Aherlow at the line.

The triumph ended a barren spell for trainer Moses McCabe, who said: "That was a long time coming!

"She was unlucky the last day and we gave her a break then. We thought she might need the run today but she was fine and she'll go novice hurdling now and stay in that league.

"It's a long time since I've had a winner, but all the hard work paid off today. She is owned by Mick Kenny from Tinahely, who is a sound owner and a gentleman. Donal gave her a good ride and is a good 7lb claimer."

PROCESSION

Mullinavat, a winner over fences here in August, capitalised on a comparatively lenient timber figure by turning the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Supporters Club Handicap Hurdle into a procession as the 9/10 favourite under Sean Flanagan.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "He got a super ride from Sean, he just went out and rode him like he was the best horse in the race, and that was it.

"He has been busy this season and he is getting near the end of his campaign now. He's in at Fairyhouse on Saturday but I'd imagine that's unlikely - I think we will enjoy today and see after that."

Just Get Cracking also made the most of a lenient mark when making a successful comeback in the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Hurdle.

James Dullea's charge had been off since struggling over fences at the Punchestown Festival but is 10lb lower in this sphere.

Naturally Blond established a massive advantage early on, but the pack closed right up with a circuit to travel and he was swamped at the second-last.

Paul Townend set sail for home on Just Get Cracking (4/1) at that point and the move proved decisive as he passed the post with a five-length advantage over Ardera Cross.

Dullea said: "That was brilliant and he will improve a bit for the run and will probably mix it (hurdles and fences) now.

"I knew coming here that he was in great form, even though it was his first run back, and I'm just delighted that he got his head in front without having a ferociously hard race.

"He was badly in need of a confidence booster like that as he has run very well over fences in some good races, but for one reason or another he just didn't get his head in front.

"He was due this win, is a smashing horse and is probably the best horse we have in the yard. It's onwards and upwards from here."

LOST OUT

Townend went close to doubling up on Knockraha King in the Sponsor A Race At Tramore Racecourse In 2018 Rated Novice Chase, but he lost out in a photo to Persian Wind (6/1).

Winning trainer Philip Dempsey said: "I'm delighted, but he nearly threw it away at the last and didn't jump as well today as he normally does - normally he is electric. Luke (Dempsey) was lucky to stay on him at the first and it was nearly all over there."

Wait Here put in a clear round to land the www.tramore-racecourse.com Maiden Hurdle.

The Augustine Leahy-trained 4/1 chance pulled up at Ballinrobe before falling at Listowel on his last couple of starts, but jumped well here on his way to beating Our Pocket Rocket by nine lengths.

Leahy said: "He was a bit unlucky at Listowel where he was definitely going to be placed in what was a good bit better race, and I'm pleased to get the win with him.

"The ground was different to what we anticipated, but it was grand for him and we'll go handicapping with him now anyway."

On His Toes hadn't shown much in two outings this campaign but left those a long way behind to take the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse (Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race at odds of 6/1.

READ THE FULL TRAMORE REPORT IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE IRISH FIELD