Father Ailbe powered away from his rivals after the penultimate flight in the two mile handicap hurdle at Limerick to post victory.

Brien Kane was on board for the first time and got a good tune out of the four-year-old gelding.

They jumped the second last and soon moved clear. There was no relenting as they passed the post six and a half lengths to the good at 4/1. Killacolla took the runner-up berth at 14/1, a couple of lengths in front of 3/1 favourite Likable Chancer

Gavin Cromwell said: "It was well due. We weren't sure about that ground and it was a good enough performance.

"His owner/breeder John Browne is a brother of Mickey (trainer) and Willie (sales consigner) and it is great to win a race for him.

"He won on the all-weather for John Butler in England in the past and he could come back here for another hurdle at Christmas time."

The Stewards interviewed F.J. Hayes, rider of Shadows Return (in fourth), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found F. J. Hayes in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g) frequency. Having considered F. J. Hayes's record in this regard the stewards suspended him for one race day.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes