Niven made the breakthrough on his ninth start over flights, taking the opener at Ballinrobe this evening, the Tuam Herald Maiden Hurdle.

A three time winner on the level for Ken Condon, the son of Elusive Pimpernel made his debut for Noel Meade when third at Navan in September.

He filled the runner-up spot on his next start at Wexford, but had been disappointing since, and went off at 7/1 this evening in the colours of the Cattle On The Road Syndicate.

Settled behind the leaders by Sean Flanagan, the five-year-old bay cruised through to lead before the last, and kept on well from there to score easily by six lengths.

The front-running Bensachuine finished second at 9/2 (from 6s), while the well-backed favourite Punches Cross (7/2 to 2/1 on-course) was another eight lengths back in third.

"I'd say probably the trip around somewhere like here suits him," said Meade.

"He'll have a run in a handicap somewhere now.

"He'd been going well for us before and I ran him quick, back in a Flat race, and I don't know what it was but he turned off and it took a while to get him back going again.

"We had to give him a break and he's come back now.

"The owners (Cattle On The Road Syndicate) are neighbours of mine and it's great to come and get a win here as this place is fantastic.

"They deserve every credit you could possibly give to them."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.M. Power, rider of Licklighter trained by Patrick G.Kelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly and sustained a cut to the inside of his off foreleg.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Licklighter, trained by Patrick G.Kelly, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have sustained a flesh wound to his right fore fetlock and a second minor wound to his left fore fetlock.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Balkalin (FR), trained by Emmet Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.

J .W. Kennedy, rider of Hurricane Volta trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled throughout this race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Hurricane Volta, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be stiff behind post race.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy