Merry Gale recorded his 14 career win and, in the process, completed a double for in-form rider Norman Williamson when taking the Poplar Square Chase at Naas on Saturday.

The Jim Dreaper-trained gelding out-jumped odds-on favourite and course specialist Opera Hat at a number of fences, and steadily drew away on the run-in to score by eight lengths.

"He would prefer a faster surface and will probably go next for the Hot Power Chase at Fairyhouse on December 7th, although the Kennedy Construction Handicap at Cheltenham the following weekend is also a possibility," said Dreaper.

Williamson was earlier successful in Tony O'Reilly's colours on Foxchapel King in the Town Hurdle. The Jolly Jake gelding, a winner on his debut at Clonmel earlier this month, maintained his unbeaten record in good style, cruising to the front after the penultimate flight for a five-lengths win over Coillte An Ceoil.

Winning trainer Mouse Morris said: "He's still backward and will be a nice horse in time. He could run at Leopardstown over Christmas if the owners are around."

Barry Cash recorded his first victory since turning professional when Heavy Hustler scored in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. The six-year-old was prominent throughout and stayed on gamely to beat the smart bumper winner Moondigua, who made costly mistakes at the final two flights, by six lengths.

Johnny Murtagh returned from a three-day ban at Sha Tin yesterday, but a second on Roaring Star was his best effort being at Sha Tin.

He also partnered Victory Star to finish fifth to Smashin Pumpkin in the first leg of the Hong Kong triple crown, the Stewards' Cup, over a mile. His stint in Hong Kong has been extended to February.

Samlee, the game winner of the Crowther Homes Becher Case at Aintree on Saturday, is 33 to 1 for the Grand National with Ladbrokes and the Tote.