Illtakeitfromhere was too strong for his rivals in the extended two mile three maiden hurdle that got Kilbeggan's card under way.

Luke Dempsey soon had him in the lead and he was pursued throughout by the 7/4 favourite Myles Ahead

Andrew Lynch on board Myles Ahead was seen pushing him along to get closer before the second last. However, on the run to the last their race was run as they dropped to third. Dontbackme (10/1) improved to second and tried to chase the winner from the last hurdle but couldn't get on terms and went down by a length and a half. The favourite was another five lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Paul Nolan said: "It's been a while coming. He jumped a bit big at the first as he was coming off a couple of runs over fences but warmed to it after that. Off his mark there should be a chase in him."

The seven-year-old gelding is owned by Phil Byrne who has Seans Bar in Athlone, the oldest pub in Ireland.

The winner drifted from 9/4 to 11/4 at the track as punters came for Myles Ahead (9/4 to 7/4f).

Additional reporting by Alan Magee