Gavin Cromwell continued his good run of form at Kilbeggan this year as Brex Drago landed a sizeable gamble in the featured Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding, a useful sort on the Flat in Italy winning nine times before joining Cromwell just two months ago, was available at as big as 16/1 in the morning and was further supported on track.

Quotes of 8/1 soon disappeared and the Italian-bred was sent off at just 9/2.

Brien Kane’s mount made good headway on the long run from the second last to the last, and landed in front over the final flight before staying on well on the run-in.

The son of Mujahid had two and a half lengths to spare at the line over Cooldine Bog with Water Sprite a further four and a quarter lengths adrift in third.

Cromwell said, “He was a good Flat horse and he was still very novicey today but Brien gave him a good ride and got him up.”