Hogan on the mark at Ballinrobe again

Equipped with a tongue-strap for the first time, on his handicap debut and having his third outing for Denis Hogan, Notimetoserve got the job done for Galway owner Coirle Forde, in the Sheridan Electrical Castlebar Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Hogan also trains the nicely-backed (6s from 7s on track) Notimetoserve and the even more strongly fancied Samantha Jones (9/4 favourite) wasn't able to fend him off from before the last, a length and a half eventually separating the pair at the line.

Hogan had it easy on Norah Star (rides her again at Punchestown tomorrow) here last night and he remarked on Notimetoserve: "He toughed it out well and he didn't mind the soft ground – he wants a bit of a give.

"The ground was perfect for him – it's summer soft. This is his grade and he'll go for something similar.

"I'm suspended from Friday for nine days (cumulative whip bans) and it's nice to have a winner before the holiday." (TW & EM)