Browne goes pro and scores

Call Me Pj didn't go un-backed for the Broderick's Electrical Handicap Hurdle and he fared better than his well-supported stable companion Ard Na Carraig (3rd in race 2) when victorious in Ballinrobe's sixth event.

The Fath gelding, a 9/1 chance, added to a bumper win in 2014, and a maiden hurdle success last year, by providing Barry Browne with another winner (in the professional ranks now) a fortnight on from his big night at Galway. Of course there he landed the Connacht Hotel Qualified Riders Handicap aboard Joe Murphy's Swamp Fox.

Call Me Pj led after two out and then held Manuka by a length.

"I thought the ground might be a bit quick for him and he never went over two mile five before so I had a few concerns," acknowledged winning trainer Oliver McKiernan.

He added: "He worked well last week and he stuck to it well today."

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Supreme Vic trained by Norman Lee, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was never travelling, jumped poorly and pulled up.

(DM & EM)