Xsquared resplendent in cheek-pieces and a hood, found the necessary on the run-in to take the McWilliam Park Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe under Andrew McNamara.

A few of the runners in this two miler, still held chances in the straight, but it was down to a duel on the run-in between Xsquared and Pennys Tune (4/1 into 3/1 favourite).

The latter looked sure to go by but it wasn't to be for favourite backers and Xsquared ended up triumphing by a length and a half.

Winning trainer Joanna Morgan commented: "He's owned by a group of mathematicians hence the name.

"He was tricky and difficult to place on the flat. He's been knocking on the door lately and he jumps well.

"I always thought he'd stay two miles given the way he's bred.

"I might run him the first day at Galway and I'd said he'll jump a fence." (DM & EM)