TRAINER Colin Kidd looks to have found himself a bargain after Rashaan claimed the first three-year-old hurdle of the season in some style at Roscommon on Tuesday night.

The former Aga Khan-owned gelding cost just €8,500 at the sales back in February, following one run on the all-weather, and repaid most of that first time out for his new connections.

Mikey Fogarty gave the 33/1 shot a confident ride as he moved through to challenge two out and kick on before the last for a cosy six-length success over 6/4 favourite Lagostovegas.

Kidd, who trains the winner for his mother Amy and Rachel Treacy, said afterwards:

“He’s been working well and is class. His half-brother (Rayeni) was second in a 2000 Guineas to Mastercraftsman,” said Kidd. “I think he was the best-bred horse in the race. I bought him out of Mick Halford’s at the February sale and he looks value now.”

Kidd indicated that his charge could now go for the winners’ contest at Listowel and also added: “I wouldn’t rule out going for a mile and a half or mile and six maiden on the flat with him.”

It was the first leg of a double on the night for Fogarty who teamed up with Colin Bowe as Katie Do (16/1) landed the Michael Holland Tyres Handicap Chase for the Shebeen Syndicate.

The Milan mare, a three-time point-to-point winner, stayed on stoutly in the closing stages to beat Bills Official by two and a half lengths, having disputed for most of the three-mile trip with that rival.

“Everything happened a little bit too quick the last day and she sulked a bit. We made the running today and the dead ground slowed things down,” explained Bowe.

“She stayed on well there. She has loads of experience and we’ll look for something similar.”

Paul Gilligan’s decision to turn Harangue out again quickly was justified as he landed the other handicap chase on the card, over two miles and five furlongs, at odds of 6/1.

Sean Conroy’s gelding had run a cracker over timber at Galway just two days previous but showed no signs of that effort as he led turning for home, under Andrew Lynch, and stayed on well for a two and a quarter length success.

“He had a good run in Galway but was probably a bit long in front and wandered up the hill. He lost nothing in defeat,” said Gilligan.

“I met his owners Des and Sean on Sunday evening and they were happy enough to let me do what I thought was best. It’s good for them. They are great people.

“He had been acting the lug for a while but just came into himself. Tony McCoy told me a few years ago when the horses are well run them and it was good advice from the champ himself.

“He’ll get a rest now though and we’ll look for something in Listowel. I’d love to have a go at the Kerry National but I don’t think he’d get into it. The prize money has increased so much it’s hard to get into the good races now.”

Gallant Tipp, a faller when leading at the last on his previous outing, gained a deserved success in the Budweiser Beginners Chase with fortune on his side this time.

The 7/4 favourite came to join long-time leader Deputy’s Pass at the third last when that rival crashed out. Barry Geraghty was left to coast home on J.P. McManus’ gelding as he posted a five and a half-length success.

Trainer Edward O’Grady said afterwards: “I didn’t think it would take so long. We were 14 months trying to win a chase.

“He was very unlucky the last day I thought. He slipped more than fell. I don’t have any plans and I’ll see what Frank (Berry) suggests. I was very happy with his jumping today.”

Tony Martin was full of praise for rising star David Mullins after his victory on Gigginstown House Stud gelding Beau Et Sublime in the Eurona BriskNet Maiden Hurdle.

The 5/4 favourite was produced to challenge at the last and overcame a slight mistake to claim Orion’s Might on the run-in for a cosy two and a quarter length success.

“He was entitled to do it on the book. He was a bit free and keen last time and we probably rode him too positively. He was always doing a bit too much,” said Martin.

“We dropped in today and David was very good on him. He took his time and used his little bit of speed to good effect.

“I’d say he’s one of the best young lads around. He reminds me of Walsh in that you tell him what you think and then let him use his own discretion.”

The JF Hanley Handicap Hurdle produced a stirring finish, with Ocean Glandore finding plenty to hold off 7/2 favourite Na Trachtalai Abu by a head.

Trainer/jockey Denis Hogan hit the front two from home on the 7/1 shot but he was all out from the last to secure victory.

“He’s as tough as nails. He was there a bit soon but had to be as he lacks a gear. He made hard work of it and idled in front. Good jumps over the last three sealed it,” said Hogan.

“The bit was behind the bridle the whole way but there is always a bit there when you go for him. He’ll probably go chasing now. He was going quite well in a chase before when he fell.”

“The owners are from Monivea and decided to miss Galway and come here so it worked out well.”

Aidan O’Brien is amassing quite a team of young National Hunt horses and had another bumper winner when 5/2 shot Exactoris claimed the concluding Boyle INH Flat Race under his daughter Sarah.

The Shantou gelding, notching a double on the night for owner J.P. McManus, had been a touch unruly on his debut at Killarney but proved straight forward here as he led over a furlong out and battled well to see off Star Foot by three-parts of a length.

“He improved a lot from the first day when he was very, very green - unusually green. He didn’t even know what the tape was then,” said O’Brien.

“He pulled out there when the others joined him and was very genuine. He’s a big, genuine galloper. I’d imagine he’ll go for another bumper but I’ll have to talk to Frank and Joseph.”