Road strikes on handicap bow

Roxboro Road made a winning start in handicap company when claiming Paddy Smyth Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Ted Walsh's charge had finished well held in three maiden hurdle outings but dropping in grade today the JP McManus-owned gelding opened his account.

Mark Walsh produced the 7/1 shot to challenge jumping the last and he hit the front on the run-in.

The Oscar gelding, a full-brother to Any Second Now, looked a touch green in front in the closing stages but had enough up his sleeve to record a length success over Accordion Twilight

"He's only five and he might improve and make a chaser," said Ted Walsh.

"He's a full-brother to Any Second Now but he's not as good as him."

(Quotes by Eamonn Murphy)