UP-AND-COMING conditional jockey Eoin Staples recorded the biggest win of his fledgling career when getting just up in the nick of time to land the €80,000 BoyleSports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle on 22/1 outsider Come On The Lads.

It’s nearly a month to the day that the Co Wexford native had his first ride as a conditional, having caught the eye of many in point-to-point circles during the season just gone, and he looked fine value for his 7lb claim in partnering Gavin Cromwell’s dual-purpose performer to victory.

What a buy Come On The Lads has proven to be for the Lads Partnership too, having been picked up for just €13,000 out of a claimer last October. A head separated the Elzaam five-year-old and 7/2 favourite Toll Stone at the line, with another half length back to Messerschmitt and Sequoiaspirit in a bunched finish.

Staples, who shared the INHSC novice rider series title last season, said: “I’m delighted for the horse and his great bunch of owners - I’m sure they’ll enjoy the celebrations later. It’s special to ride a winner here at the festival. Gavin has been a big help to me since I’ve turned conditional and I’m delighted to repay the trust he’s put in me. It’s been brilliant.”

Come On The Lads would have been a most unlucky loser had he not managed to get in front, given he suffered serious interference at the first hurdle and did well to stand up.

Cromwell added: “I missed the incident at the first hurdle but seemingly he made a mistake and lost an iron, so it wasn't the plan to be as far back. When he landed that far back, Eoin didn't panic and went to sleep behind them and did everything right. It didn't look likely that he'd win but he gave him a great ride. The race probably fell apart a little and he came home strongly. It’s great that it worked out for us. I thought he might have been a bit exposed to the handicapper. He’s not a big horse but he’s been great for the syndicate.

“Eoin is in with us four or five mornings a week and is there every work morning. The syndicate has been involved in different horses over the years and Pat McGuinness heads it up. He’s involved in loads of different horses in the yard. We originally got the horse out of a claimer so this is great."