Eoin O'Connell rode his fifth winner and first as a professional when his father Eamonn's Admiral Brian popped up at odds of 14/1 on his first start since June in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

In the aftermath O'Connell senior disclosed: "My horses have just not been right, and we've had to back off them. That's my first runner since November, so hopefully it's a good sign."

Outsider Rich Prince put it up to them from the front and Dr Waluigi the favourite, was the chief pursuer.

However, after the latter struck on three out he had nothing left for the surge of Admiral Brian from before the last. That final effort from Admiral Brian took him all the way to an eight length victory over the 'jolly.'

"This horse will go on any ground, and hopefully he will run away now for the summer. He will probably go to Wexford next on St Patrick's Day," further revealed O'Connell.

(AM & EM)