McConnell and Timmons back amongst the winners

Itsalonglongroad (10/1) won the Toals Bookmakers Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (80-109) to end a quiet spell for trainer John McConnell.

The 7-year-old dual purpose gelding led from the third and made the rest of the running, staying on well from the last to score by two and a quarter lengths and a head from Sweet Sixteen (8/1) and Top Line Tommy (14/1).

It was the Lawman gelding's fourth win over jumps to go with three victories on the Flat.

Well-treated chaser Everlastingpromise sent off 9/4 favourite, was unable to land a blow on his first start for nearly a year and finished seventh.

Chris Timmons was riding his first winner since scoring on Nobody Home at Kilbeggan last October and commented: "He does (love being out in front), he won around here before over fences and it is definitely a kind of specialist track. He seems to act around here.

"There was a lot of horses that wanted to make it and a lot of competition for the lead. He's quite a free-going horse, but luckily I got a couple of breathers into him on the way round and he had plenty left to finish out.

"He filled his lungs and John (McConnell) is a very good trainer and his horses are fit. He did it well. John was hopeful he was in good form but there looked to be a few dangers.

"It is lovely (good) ground and they have done a good job."

Quotes from Michael Graham