J J Slevin gained his first outright winner since joining the professional ranks when successful in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan on Crosshue Boy

Sean Doyle trains Crosshue Boy, and he also handles Craig Star. Craig Star dead-heated under Slevin during the week at Roscommon, to cement Slevin's transition from amateur status.

Not surprisingly point-to-point and three mile maiden hurdle winner, Crosshue Boy, finished out this extended two mile three furlong event strongly to defeat Draycott Place by three and a half lengths.

"He's been a bit of an unlucky horse as he won his point-to-point and then got injured. Otherwise he would probably have been sold on by now," commented Doyle.

"He hardly ever runs a bad race, and as long as there is a good gallop it suits him well. He's an exciting horse for fences, and will go chasing next year."

Owner Niall Heffernan is like Doyle and Slevin, from County Wexford. He's from Blackwater.

A. Ring, rider of What A Jewel trained by Eoin Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having never travelled during this race.

C.M. Walsh, rider of War Of The Pennys trained by Donald Cashman, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a mistake and was never travelling thereafter before eventually being pulled up.

(AM & EM)