Well-backed Roe finally gets off the mark

The well-backed Dancing Roe (first time cheekpieces) finally got off the mark as he ran out an easy winner of the opener at Kilbeggan, the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Ben Dalton for Christy Roche.

The six-year-old son of Vinnie Roe finished second to Alelchi Inois over the course in May of last year and he was then beaten (second, third, second) when sent off favourite on his next three outings, all of which came over the course.

He disappointed in a novice chase at Sligo on his last start in October and reverting back to hurdles this evening he was sent off the 15/8 favourite having opened at 4/1 in a place this morning.

After leading early he was settled in second, regaining the lead at the fourth last. He stretched clear before the second last and was eased towards the finish, scoring by twenty-four lengths at the line. Bawntameena was best of the rest in second at 11/1 under Andrew Ring for William Hayes, while Spot Fine was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third under Kevin Sexton for Mouse Morris at 5/2.

Christy Roche said afterwards: "It is great he has won and he runs well around here. A decent horse of Willie's (Alelchi Inois) beat him one day and when he came back I thought he was a certainty but he kept getting beat."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson