Sandymount Duke continued his rise up the ranks when providing Jessica Harrington with a 34/1 double at Galway (following on from Princess Aloof earlier), taking the honours in the Guinness Novice Hurdle in the hands of Robbie Power.

Again the Hernando gelding made all and he ultimately never really looked like getting beaten, having a length and three parts in a hand over Credo Star at the line.

Odds-on favourite Gangster was disappointing - his jumping didn't cut the mustard either - and he ended up in fifth.

"He's an unbelievable horse to win four in a row," said Mrs Harrington after her third winner of the week.

"He had so much to look at here. All the first circuit he had his ears pricked wondering what are all these people doing here.

"He's so tough. The more horses come at him the more he pulls out and I just don't know how good he is.

"Ronnie (Wood, winning owner) couldn't be here today. He's in England and I'd say he's jumping up and down and shouting at the television.

"I nearly gave up on this horse after his first two runs when he was beaten by an aggregate of 137 lengths but he won next time out at Listowel and turned a corner. His jumping is great."

(TW & EM)