NOT for the first time, Charles Byrnes pulled off quite a gamble at Roscommon as The Big Galloper, who was backed from as big as 16/1 in the morning into 7/4 favouritism, claimed the near two-and-a-half-mile Roscommon On-Course Vets Maiden Hurdle. The strapping five-year-old had shown glimpses of ability in his previous nine outings but was improving significantly on his ninth to Arthur’s Quay at Listowel. Kevin Brouder’s mount had to dig deep for this success and was all out to defeat the Listowel bumper winner Shanwalla by a neck.

“He got tired towards the end, he just hung on,” reflected Byrnes whose charge carries the colours of Byrnes Bloodstock Limited. “Kevin is great value for his 5lb claim and this horse could make a nice three-mile chaser some day. He could have one or two more runs over hurdles and then go chasing after Christmas.”