Hallmark, right, begins to mount his challenge in Roscommon© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien's Hallmark put in a good jump at the last which was the key to his victory in the two mile maiden hurdle for four-year-olds in Roscommon.
The 11/10 favourite looked to have a battle on his hands to overcome front-running Pateen but he got on terms at the final flight and landed in the lead full of running. He then strode away on the run-in to take the spoils by three and a quarter lengths.
Pateen (4/1) could give no more after the last but got a runner-up reward. He was a further three and a quarter lengths in front of Aretesone
He got the job done anyway,” Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus said.
“He was running a nice race in Tipperary before he was brought down. He learned a bit from that experience and jumped away pretty well today.
“We'll find a little handicap somewhere for him.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
