Richie Deegan partnered his first winner over hurdles, and his second in total under rules, when giving Followmeuptocarlow an accomplished ride in the RSM Farrell Grant Sparks Supporting Longford GAA Handicap Hurdle.

The 21-year-old amateur produced the son of Tiraaz full of running to lead approaching the last, and the 4/1 favourite stayed on well to score by four and a half lengths. Happy New Year (8/1) took the runner-up spot, while Whatdreamsrmadeof (10/1) was a further two lengths adrift in third.

Carlow native Deegan rode a bumper winner at Cork over two years ago, and has also recorded three wins on the point-to-point circuit.

Winning trainer Tom Donohue, who also owns the nine-year-old gelding, said, “It’s great to get another win with him, and we’ll find something similar for him around Christmas.”