A return to Ballinrobe sparked Carrig Cathal back into form at 20/1.

Stephen Mahon 's seven-year-old gelding travelled sweetly on the outside for Denis O'Regan as the pair sized up Prospectus after the second last.

They were on terms at the final flight in Division One of the two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle and got on top on the run-in.

The winning margin was two and a half lengths back to 4/1 joint favourite Prospectus. Icario (5/1) could make no impression on the front two in third some 15 lengths behind.

Mahon said: "We were a bit worried about the ground.

"He had a good run in Fairyhouse but the ground was deplorable that day. Denis got a good feel off him then.

"It's not ideal conditions for him yet — he's a nice little horse though and he'll probably go to Punchestown.

"Tom Doran is in Wexford and it's his Mrs' birthday.

"I can't for the life of me understand why Denis is not being used more too.

"It's sad to see Paul Carberry being retired but he's the next lad I'd have to Carberry riding for me.

"Once you leg him up you have no worries.

"Tom sent me seven and he has nine horses with me there now. Some of them will be nice on better ground. Hopefully we can keep banging in winners for him."

This was Carrig Cathal's fourth career victory - the last one came at Listowel in September 2016 and he won in Ballinrobe in May of that year.

His form figures from three appearances at the Co Mayo track now read 211.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy