CROSSHUE Boy (6-1) showed his appreciation for a drop in distance by claiming the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Having made a successful start to his jumping career at Punchestown, the wheels came off at Limerick and Bellewstown, but he was back on song here. J J Slevin sent him to the front on the long run to the final flight and his stamina came into play as he kept Draycott Place three and a half lengths at bay.

Trainer Sean Doyle said: "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. 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."

Oighear Dubh broke through in the Kilbeggan Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. Tony Martin's grey had form which entitled him to go off the 2-1 favourite and he took up the running after the last to beat Antiphony by two and a half lengths in the hands of Donagh Meyler.

Martin said: "It was a good ride by Donagh, and himself and young (Jack) Kennedy are two good up-and-coming jockeys at the moment. He gave him a chance to find his feet as he was not really travelling or acting around here. He will mix it between the Flat and hurdles."

L'Attesa bounced back to winning ways in the Like Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Handicap Hurdle. The 10-1 shot struggled at Downpatrick after triumphing at the same track, and returned to his best to account for The Black Russian by three-quarters of a length.

The stewards looked into potential interference but allowed the result to stand.

Tajseer (4-1) has picked up his fair share of place money but finally got his head in front in the Pat Doyle Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

DECISIVE SUCCESS

New Kid In Town banished a costly Ballinrobe defeat to the memory with a decisive success in the Midland Breeders Supporting Kilbeggan Beginners Chase.

With Katie O'Farrell taking over in the saddle from Ruby Walsh, the 7-2 chance quickened clear a fair way from home and despite a slightly awkward leap at the last, inflicted a 19-length defeat on Ocean Glandore.

Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: "Katie has ridden winners now for Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins so it just goes to show the calibre of trainer she is riding for. She's as good a value for 7lb as anyone in the country.

"She did exactly what she was asked to do, and hopefully she can follow in the path of Rachael Blackmore and ride many more winners."

Heist (13-2) fared best in a thrilling finish to the Kilbeggan Patrons Club Handicap Chase. The strong-travelling Cecil Corbett moved into the lead on the approach to the final fence and jumped it with a clear advantage.

However, he found less than expected, whereas Heist and Down Under really stuck their necks out on the run to the line, and the formed edged it by a short-head.

Steel Bob (11-4) struck between the flags and made a successful beginning to his career under Rules in the Athlone (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

READ THE FULL KILBEGGAN REPORT IN NEXT WEEK'S EDITION OF THE IRISH FIELD