Gold Ability dug deep to land the spoils in the opening maiden hurdle at Galway this afternoon. Too Scoops proved the one for money (15/8 into 11/8f) in the two-miler and looked set for victory turning for home.

Robbie Colgan got a great tune from Gold Ability on the run-in, however, and he stuck his head in front near the line for a head success.

Too Scoops had taken over at the head of affairs after the third last but was soon tracked through by Gold Ability.

Push came to shove after the second last and it looked like the favourite would collect but Michael O'Hare's charge found plenty for pressure in the closing stages.

The pair came close after the last and again near the line but the result stood after the stewards had a look.

The winner had chased home Zerashan at Downpatrick last time on his hurdling debut having previously landed a bumper at the northern venue.

The market had suggested it was a two horse race with Ted Veale also backed into 6/4 but Tony Martin's charge failed to pick up from the second last.

"We were hopeful but thought the ground might be against us. It obviously rode better than we thought," said O'Hare afterwards.

"He's real genuine and very gutsy - he kept putting his head down. The only problem with him is that he's a bleeder.

"We're delighted with the performance and I can't believe that the first two pulled 29 lengths clear of the third.

"Robbie is a top class rider and gave him a terrific ride."

It was a first festival winner for Colgan, who was relieved to hold on to the victory:-

"I'm delighted. I thought there would be no alteration. I think Davy came in on me as much as I went went in on him. We were wandering around together.

"He's real tough. I thought beforehand the ground wouldn't be ideal but Mr O'Hare said he should go on it and he stuck it out well.

"The ground is just soft and is drying out. It's holding, real tiring ground."

(On course reporting by Vincent Finegan)