Cheltenham hero Pat Kelly was on the mark in the opening Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle

at Roscommon today as the Athenry based trainer registered a 1-2 courtesy of winner Gailimh Abu and runner-up Licklighter

Gailimh Abu was seemingly the outside of the pair at 25/1, but had attracted support from 40/1 this morning and in the end proved a length and three parts too strong, under jockey Katie O'Farrell, for runner-up Licklighter, which was an easy to back 8/1 chance.

Kelly has managed the amazing feat, given he trains a small yard of horses, of having had a winner at each of the past three Cheltenham Festivals and following today's success stated “it's a nice surprise and we're delighted to get the one-two.

“Katie gave him a great ride and it's great for the owner.”

Quotes from Gary Carson