Thomond appreciates drop back

The drop back in trip did the trick for Thomond as he got off the mark over timber in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Roscommon.

Noel Meade 's charge had faded when tried over three miles at Wexford last time but got home in good style this evening.

Davy Condon produced the 7/4 favourite at the last and he kept on strongly on the run-in to record a two-and-a-quarter length success over Countess Salome

“We thought stamina was his forte. We went to Wexford and made the running but he just faded,” said Meade.

“Looking back on his run in the north over two miles it was a better run so we decided to come back here.

“He's had a bit of a problem with his palate and that's why we are running on fast ground. Davy said the ground was plenty quick enough for him.

“I don't think we'll delay over hurdles. He's a chaser out and out and we'll go over fences straight away.”

Ruby Walsh was stood down after injuring his arm in a fall from Gardelito at the last.