After finishing a good second at Kilbeggan on his most recent start, Ballybaun Star went a place better in the opener at Ballinrobe this evening, the Bank Of Ireland Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Tom Gibney, the son of Beat Hollow failed to make an impact in eight starts on the level but has turned a corner since switching to hurdles.

Sent off the 5/2 second favourite, the Peter Thome owned victor raced in third under Darragh O'Keeffe, improving into a close second before two out.

Pushed along to challenge approaching the last, he was soon ridden to the front and quickly stretched clear, coming home seven lengths to the good.

For the third time in-a-row at Ballinrobe, Spick And Span (13/8f) had to settle for second under Simon Torrens, while John Ryan's Barbaha Queen (8/1) was another fifteen lengths back in third.

"We've had a heap of seconds over the last couple of months so it's great for everyone, staff, myself and the owners to get back amongst the winners," Gibney said.

"This is a lucky track for us. I love coming up here.

"He's a little horse that was a full horse for a couple of years and I begged the owners to geld him. Since he’s been gelded and gone jumping he’s like a different animal. Jumping definitely wasn't the intention for the owners but there was plenty of staying (blood) in the family and the sire is a decent jumps sire, as we know.

"He's small but tough and versatile as regards ground. Going back on the Flat is definitely an option for him as well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Hermann Clermont (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

At the request of the Stewards, J.W. Kennedy, rider of Hermann Clermont (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a respiratory noise during the entire race.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of Monsieur Piquer (FR) trained by Christian Delcros, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled and was pulled up.

P.T. Enright, rider of Healys Island trained by Barry T. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled and was pulled up.

The Stewards received a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer that Ballybaun Star, placed first, was observed wearing a tongue strap when presented for examination post race, this piece of equipment having not been declared under Rule 194. The Stewards enquired into this matter and called Thomas Gibney, trainer of Ballybaun Star, for an explanation. Thomas Gibney admitted the offence and stated that he applied the tongue strap to his charge as the gelding had always worn one and it would be a requirement because of the animals wind. He added that he thought that he had declared the tongue strap and only realised his error when it was brought to his attention after the race. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Thomas Gibney was in breach of Rule 194 (f) by fitting a tongue strap to Ballybaun Star which was not declared under Rule 194 and wearing it in the race. In accordance with the provisions of Rule 194(h) and using their powers under Rules 14 (i) & (ii), the Stewards fined Thomas Gibney E400.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan