Althib off the mark in style Althib opened his account at the 19th time of asking with a convincing success in the second division of the mile handicap at Thurles. Denis Hogan's charge had been placed on four previous occasions and made the breakthrough in good style in today's 45-65 contest. Killian Leonard settled behind the leaders from stall one before asking his mount to progress past the two marker. The 13/2 shot hit the lead a furlong and a half from home and stayed on strongly in the closing stages to record a two-and-a-quarter length success. Dromana won the battle for the runner-up spot, getting home by half a length from Alwarda with the same margin back to Solomons Seal.