Mark McNiff's string have been showing signs of hitting form in recent weeks and he saddled his second winner of the month with Gone Racing at Roscommon.

The seven-year-old gelding defied top weight of 12 stone in the second split of the opportunity handicap hurdle. Jack Holiday the 3/1 favourite, led throughout was collared by Presenting Lad after the third last.

Gone Racing moved into second at the penultimate flight as Jack Holiday weakened. He then took a narrow lead upon jumping the last and soon outgunned Presenting Lad on the run-in.

The 15/2 chance, partnered by Cathal Landers, scored by four lengths from the 11/1 runner-up. Peace Party got up for third at 14/1 from Jack Holiday in fourth.

McNiff said: "He did it well. The main reason he won is definitely the owners because when the ground wasn't right and balloting was a serious issue they didn't panic.

“They gave me the space to get him right for the right day and line up as many ducks in a row as I could.

“He'll probably go chasing now but we'll see what comes up.”

Gone Racing other success came in a handicap hurdle at Tramore last summer.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson