Useful hurdler Abou Ben enjoyed his trip from Co Tyrone down to Co Kerry when scoring for Andrew Oliver and Jane Mangan in the Qualified Riders’ race.

The 123-rated hurdler switched to chasing last-time out when half a length second to Clar Na Mionn over two miles at Roscommon. A mile and six on the flat though proved no trouble to the 11-year-old, however, his jockey had to change tactics during the race.

“They kept going slower and slower. Halfway down the back I thought it would turn into a tactical affair so I let him go on and he relaxed in front,” Jane Mangan said.

“He’s a two mile hurdler and they were going too slow.”

The 4/1 shot (from 10s this morning) duly won by three parts of a length from Rocket Man (9/2). Third-place money went to Aughnacurraveel (9/1). Sweet My Lord the top-rated hurdler of these nine runners, was returned 5/4 favourite for Willie Mullins and Katie Walsh, but he ran fourth.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes