Drumgill takes opener in Ballinrobe for Ryan and Gilligan

Drumgill showed that a fall in Roscommon earlier in the month hadn't dented his confidence as he took the honours in the extended 2m1f maiden hurdle in Ballinrobe.

He led, but was headed by Godblessyourosie at the second flight and stalked her thereafter. Danny Gilligan booted him into the lead over the last and the pair soon went for home as Godblessyourosie gave best, however, morning-price mover Person of Interest chased Drumgill into the straight.

Drumgill dug in and fended off the challenger by half a length to justify 7/4 favouritism. The runner-up was backed from from 14/1 to 5/1 before going off at 15/2. Frankendael ran on nicely for third at 8/1, beaten just over three lengths by the winner.

Gilligan said: "I was second on him here in a maiden. He had a heavy fall the last day in Roscommon and has done well to bounce out of that.

"He probably didn't make things as simple as I'd have liked as he was quite keen and I tried to keep the lid on him for as long as I could.

"He was a bit long at the last, but that was probably rider error more than anything. Even though I was in front sooner than I wanted, he's done well to hold on and I'm delighted to ride a winner for John (Ryan)."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan