Impressive Roscommon scorer Gangster got back on track after his Galway eclipse to land plenty of bets with his 5/4 success in the Michael McElligott Memorial Novice Hurdle at Listowel.

Bryan Cooper did the steering for his employers, Gigginstown House Stud, and the local rider let the Willie Mullins-handled Gangster stride on during the final circuit.

The attractive big chestnut, a half-brother to 2010 Ascot Gold Cup hero, Rite Of Passage, asserted before the second last for an eight length win over After Rain

"He enjoyed it much better today. We had a good Galway with all our novices, and we thought that he was the best of them. As it turned out he was the only one to disappoint," reflected Mullins.

"I think it was that the ground was just too good and dry for him in Galway.

"Once he's getting his toe into it he likes it. He was a different horse today - two ears pricked - enjoying himself, enjoying the ground, and Bryan said from the fourth last he was just looking to go about his business and he let him on.

"He enjoyed being in front. He works like a good horse at home and we can go out in trip with him.

"It was a worry coming back to two miles. He has a staying pedigree and so Bryan made plenty of use of him."

"He's a nice horse. I won a maiden hurdle on him at Roscommon during the summer and I felt he was an above average summer horse," said Cooper.

"He disappointed at Galway but he done the business today to show that he's one to look forward to."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Escape Footwear trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)