Punters who backed overnight favourite Time Is Time were in for a pleasant surprise as his SP drifted out to 7/1 before he scored in the extended two mile three handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Ambrose McCurtin 's mount made good headway on the inner to lead after the second-last.

He was pressed by The Ballyboys but took two lengths out of him approaching the home bend.

The nine-year-old gelding jumped left at the last but was driven out to win by three and a half lengths.

The placings were occupied by Bomber Jackson (5/1), the gambled-on Loch Luatha (10/1) and The Ballyboys (10/1) in second, third and fourth respectively.

Handler David Barry, saddling his first winner since May 2013, said: "It was a while coming but he was plagued with injuries early on in his life. He did it today - third, second, first, he was entitled to his day.

"We were kind of worried about the trip today but he does stay. He is fun horse. I think there is something in Ballinrobe for him, it's over three miles so it will suit him down to the ground.

"He keeps galloping at the one pace. Maybe the cut in the ground kind of stood to him today over the rest of them. We'll enjoy this one, I've only three in."

This was a first track success for Time Is Time who won a point-to-point at Knockanard in February 2015.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy