HATS off to Templemore, Co Tipperary trainer John Ryan. He had a big race success at Fairyhouse on Saturday when the six-year-old Drumgill (Elusive Pimpernel) won the Listed Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase, and set himself up for the Dan and Joan Moore Memorial Chase back at the same venue in January. The Thomas Keane-bred gelding races in the trainer’s colours.

This was victory number seven for Drumgill who was sourced by Ryan at the Tattersalls Ireland May Sale three and a half years ago for just €5,000, and has banked some €125,000 for his owner/trainer. He is one tough cookie, having run 39 times since making his debut a little over two years ago, and four of his seven wins have been over hurdles. He is an even better chaser.