< Patio gained a deserved success in the Thanks To Ballinrobe Sponsors 2008 Race.

David Marnane's filly had been keeping better company than this, but was still easy to back and drifted out to 7-4 at the off.

However, favourite-backers had no real cause for concern because once she took up the running, she was always holding Unquenchable Fire at bay, eventually scoring by a length and a half.< Imperial Belle broke her duck at the 10th time of asking in the Tote Placepot Races 1 To 6 Handicap.

Having her fourth start this month, the 8-1 chance was brought with a well-timed challenge by Pat Smullen and caught Da Pooch in the final furlong for a half-length call.< Torina (11-2) was another to shed her maiden tag and showed admirable resolution to fend off the Willie Mullins-trained Derrymore Dawn by a neck in division one of the Congrats To Deora & Julie Handicap, while the second division went the way of 12-1 shot Jokipur ridden by Mullins' nephew Danny.

Champion Bumper sixth Total Excitement was a bitter disappointment on his timber introduction in the I.T.B.A. (Western Region) Maiden Hurdle.

Thomas Mullins' smart prospect was sent off a warm favourite but was far from foot perfect at his obstacles and failed to shake up the principals, with the prize taken by in-form Flat performer Un Hinged (12-1).< Berkerys Treasure (6-1) put his experience to good use to get off the mark over fences in the Tom 'The Deadly' Brennan Beginners Chase.

Having his fourth start over the bigger obstacles, Philip Rothwell's nine-year-old made every post a winning one as he beat King Ali by six lengths, with Quinmaster and Adajal disappointing.

A year spent on the sidelines has done little to dent Alickadoo s enthusiasm and the 16-1 chance made a successful return with an emphatic victory in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.

© www.irish-racing.com