Third time lucky for Starzov in Roscommon maiden

Starzov got off the mark at the third attempt when easily landing the Railway Bar Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon.

Always towards the head of affairs under JJ Slevin, the Philip Rothwell trained gelding took over the running from leader Manisanda before the second last flight.

From there, Slevin had the field covered, as he merely had to push out the Morozov gelding to win readily.

A faller on his only point-to-point run, the Rothwell trained winner had been placed on both previous starts over hurdles.

JJ Slevin said:- “I'm delighted with him. He travelled well and jumped well and coped with the ground well. He did it as he liked and won well.

“I'm lucky to get the ride on him, first Jack Foley was banned and then Paul hurt his thumb. I was the lucky third one and I'm delighted to get a winner for Philip.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson