After having the runner-up in the opener, Royal Crew Terence O'Brien and Paul Townend gained compensation half-an-hour later in the info@ countysligoraces. com (C & G) Maiden Hurdle.

Ballyadam Brook was a bit sketchy at times with his jumping but otherwise it was a smooth performance from the front, the 6/4 favourite (from at least 7/2 this morning) being in control from before the second last flight.

O'Brien, who made the 6-hour journey from his County Cork base with four runners, said: "He is a horse we paid big money for and he had disappointed.

"We had an unusual operation carried out on his nostrils by Ger Kelly in Fethard and when we brought him back we weren't hoping for a whole lot. However he has progressed from a few placings and we're delighted with the win tonight.

"He'll have a small break now and then go to Galway maybe where he'd have a couple of options."