THE Belvedere House & Gardens Opportunity Beginners Chase was a cracking contest for a Monday night in June and there was no hanging about up front which suited smart staying hurdler Ashdale Bob (9/2), who came from off the pace to lead at the last.

The Jessica Harrington-trained dual Grade 2 winner, running over fences for the first time since 2021, stayed on well to beat Thecompanysergeant by three and a quarter lengths.