Favourite backers in Ballinrobe got off to a flier as San Gabriel scooted home for trainer/jockey Denis Hogan.

When the field jumped off to an admittedly ragged start, he was positioned in second behind Pedigree

He eased past the leader jumping the second last and powered away to beat the staying on Effernock Lad by six lengths. The runner-up was untidy at the last, but wasn’t catching the favourite.

San Gabriel was backed from 5/2 this morning down to an SP of 4/5. Effernock Lad was backed at 50/1 before racing and 20s on opening show before being returned at 16/1.

This meeting saw the introduction of the new loop on the racetrack whereby horses race behind the trees. It met with praise as outlined below.

Denis Hogan said: “It was an average contest. We ran him a couple of times during the winter, but he couldn’t handle heavy ground. He could have a trip to Galway now for another hurdle or a flat handicap.

“It’s his third run in a week, but it takes at least two runs to get him ready. He’s owned by two brilliant owners – Mike and Tony O’Brien – who are with me from the start and don’t interfere and leave it with me.

“It’s like a different track here. It used to be tight, but now it’s a galloping track. The ground is nice. I was worried when I heard they were watering, but it’s good to firm but safe ground.”

Other senior riders added about the changes to the track: “I have no complaints. The track rides very well. It’s way better and it will be nicer with soft ground. It rides like a galloping track.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes