Gibraltar rocks his rivals in Roscommon

Strong-travelling Gibraltar made a winning start to his jumping career in the opportunity maiden hurdle at Roscommon.

He reached a mark of 72 from eight flat races for Michael Bell in Britain, but already looks a different proposition in the National Hunt ranks.

The 5/6 favourite loomed large behind Raamez on the run to the third last. A good jump at that obstacle saw him land in the lead and he was still on the bridle as he led this big field to the next.

Raamez departed at that flight as Red Ball Of Fire picked up the chase. The leader moved clear by the last, though, and popped it well to stride right away by an easy nine and a half lengths for Willie Mullins.

Red Ball Of Fire finished second at 9/1 and was 11 lengths clear of Victory March (11/1).

Jack Foley came in for the winning ride as Conor McNamara was ruled out due to injury.

He said: “He did it well. I was in my comfort zone the whole way.

“His jumping put me into it at the third last and as soon as I gave him a squeeze his response was rapid.

“It's nice to get a winner for the champion trainer.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson