On what proved a hugely significant evening at Roscommon for Pat Smullen in the Flat jockeys’ title race, the reigning champion was again on the mark aboard Ontheiflist in the Peggy Guerin Memorial Handicap.

The first leg of a double on the card for trainer Harry Rogers and the third winner of what ultimately transpired to be a 1,055/1 four-timer for Smullen, the well-backed 3/1 chance stretched clear inside the final furlong for a decisive victory.

Owned in partnership by Rogers’ wife Mary and Bernard Carroll, who tasted Grand National success in the past with Numbersixvalverde, the Iffraaj gelding beat Apparition by nearly five lengths with Hyperdrive in third.

Rogers said, “He didn’t get a run the other day (at Killarney). The small field and the rain plus Smullen helped. He’s always promised to do that.

“He had blinkers on the last day and they seemed to upset him in the stalls, so we put a visor on for the first time today.

“Bernie has been with me a long time and I rode winners for him. He’s a lucky owner.

“He could have another run on the Flat on that type of ground but the plan is to go hurdling. He’s schooled nicely.”