Drive On Regardles benefitted from a strong ride by Ruby Walsh to take the opening maiden hurdle at Tipperary. Somethingdifferent had his rivals on the stretch turning for home, in the two-miler, but was challenged after the second last by Willie Mullins' charge.

The pair were locked together over the final flight and Walsh had to work hard to get Drive On Regardles in front close home for a head success.

The uneasy 6/1 shot (from 7/2) had faded late on after making the running on his return from a long-break at Limerick last month.

The winner is owned by Sean Ahern and John O'Donoghue, from Glanmire in Cork, and O'Donoghue said afterwards:-

"There used to be a lot more owners in him but it's only the two of us left now. It always comes to those who wait!

"We backed him at 100/30 this morning but we're guaranteed the 6/1." Ted Dolly who had been well backed in the morning (from 5/1 into 7/4), was sent off the 11/4 favourite but couldn't land a blow in fourth.

Gary Carson & Thomas Weekes