Arthur Moore and David Casey, a close second with Pass The Hat in the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel last week, went one better as Gentleman Duke took the featured John Mulhern Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Casey was seen to good effect on the versatile six-year-old gelding adopting a change of tactics as he made all, and settled the issue by poaching a decisive lead on the home turn.

The 12/1 chance, who was reappearing after a near six-month break, kept on well on the run-in to beat Coldstonesober by two and three quarter lengths, with Res Ipsa Loquitur another four lengths adrift in third.

Moore said, “It gives me satisfaction and pleasure to win John's (Mulhern) race and J.P. (McManus) will be thrilled too, he's at the Ryder Cup now.

"He had a little injury in his hind leg but had been working well recently and this race was perfect for him. He was taking on maiden hurdle winners at level weights. He is more likely to go back chasing now."

Gentleman Duke had previously won as a juvenile at Sligo, and gained further success at the north-western track in a maiden hurdle last year before scoring over fences at Thurles.

(TW & AM)