There was plenty of drama in the opening Heineken Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles yesterday where Alcapone was disqualified for taking the wrong course after a facile win.

The incident occurred after the second fence where Alcapone went the wrong side of a marker onto the hurdle track, with the remaining five runners following the 4 to 5 chance.

However, while David Casey's mount continued on for an unchallenged victory, the others turned back to complete the proper course. Delphi Lodge finished a distance adrift, with Fleur Du Chenet the same margin back in third.

The stewards called an inquiry immediately after the race, and severely cautioned all the riders to familiarise themselves with the course. Casey was given a two-day suspension (January 13th and 14th) for not pulling up his mount after taking the wrong course, and will miss the Pierse Hurdle (formerly The Ladbroke) meeting at Leopardstown. Pat Martin completed the notable feat of saddling a winner at all 27 Irish racecourses when Environment took the Heineken W. T. O'Grady Memorial Hurdle. Shane McCann's mount appeared beaten when headed by 1 to 2 favourite Hill Port after the last but rallied again for a neck victory.