Riotman second on his last visit to the course, went one better in the second division of the Kinnegad Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Davy Russell let his mount dispute from the fourth last and he dug deep on the run-in to land the spoils.

Mike Flannery 's charge had a length to spare at the line over Fitzgutentyte who was just a head in front of Lough Donnell Mist in a tight finish.

"Mike's at a wedding today," revealed owner Owen Roe O'Neill afterwards.

"This horse has had so many problems. He was fired and thrown out and Mike has done some work with him - so credit to him.

"He's improving and improving and is a big horse. He'll probably go chasing.

"Davy rode him at Ballinrobe and knew all about him. He gave him a class ride. We were waiting on that ground for him."

Gary Carson