There was much to admire on the equine and human fronts after Back Off Mate defied top-weight to land a gamble in the Vaughanshoes.ie Ecco Handicap at Ballinrobe.

Firstly Arthur Moore has campaigned the versatile Back Off Mate with great aplomb, and he brought the attractive Old Vic gelding back for this mile five assignment after his Mayo National fifth placing at the track last time out.

Backed in from 5/1 and bigger earlier, the 9/4 favourite was given a patient steer by five pound claimer Sean Corby, and he was cool in getting the now two time Flat scorer to improve his position down the back straight.

Back Off Mate obviously stays really well and he powered on from the pace-setter, Muinin inside the last, to register a three length verdict.

"That was a stepping stone for the Midlands National (Kilbeggan) and it's a race that should suit him well. This race fitted in nicely between his last run here and it will keep him ticking over," disclosed Moore.

"I'm delighted with the way he won and Sean gave him a nice ride. He did it well and he is very versatile. He won on the flat, over hurdles and over fences last year and he might do the same this year, you never know.

"Galway comes up quickly after Kilbeggan but he might go for the handicap hurdle on the Saturday. We'll get Kilbeggan out of the way first."

F.M. Berry, rider of Just Soldier (FR) trained by I.Madden, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right in running.

(DM & EM)