A lack of firepower was cited by the rider for his failure to retain his title as leading northern region champion. However, he fairly lit up the opening New Tattersalls Ireland August HIT Sale four-year-old geldings’ maiden where he made all the running to score on Drumlee Lad (6/1-8/1).

McParlan also owns and trains this newcomer by Millenary who will be heading to one of the upcoming sales. The twice previously-raced Ask A Bank (2/1-5/2-2/1) finished two lengths adrift of the winner, while the debutant Fact Of The Matter (2/1-5/2) looked beaten when falling at the second last.