D'albain scores for Whelan

Last Time D'albain landed a bit of a touch when claiming the Comeragh Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

Liam Cusack 's charge travelled well into contention turning for home and hit the front approaching the second last flight.

The 10/1 shot (from 16/1) was soon tackled by favourite Molko Jack but found plenty, under popular weigh-room veteran Ken Whelan, to pull away before the last and record a convincing four-length succes.

It was a welcome winner for Whelan, who last tasted success in January 2010, and he joked:- "My last winner was when Moses was a boy scout!"

Winning trainer Cusack had been hopeful of a better showing from his charge after three moderate efforts in maiden hurdles.

"I was hoping he might do that. He's in again on Saturday and we'll see how he is. I hope it's not too soon."

Gary Carson