The Dell booked his ticket for the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel later this month following a hard-earned victory in the featured Smirnoff Handicap Chase at Galway yesterday.

The Frances Crowley-trained gelding was reappearing after a seven-month lay-off but belied any worries about his fitness when responding gamely to a strong drive from Ruby Walsh to touch off Frostbitten in the final strides.

"I knew he was quite fit as he has done alot of work at home but the main thing was to get around safely today," said Ms Crowley, who also has Moscow Express and Colm's Rock in the Listowel showpiece.

The Piltown trainer later completed a mixed double when Eight Woods swooped late under Pat Smullen to beat Per Amore by a neck in the Goffs Race for two-year-olds. Paul Madden partnered his first winner when Knockdoo led after two out to beat Bayling by a length and a half in the Cunningham Auctioneers Handicap Hurdle.