O'Donoghue shines on Castletown Bridge

The Gordon Elliott trained Castletown Bridge took the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle under a well-timed Keith Donoghue ride.

The six-year-old chestnut son of Bienamado was waited with behind the leaders until he came with his challenge at the last, staying on best on the run-in to score comfortably by three and a half lengths. Kylecrue (5/1), who was prominent throughout, had to settle for second on his racecourse debut under Rob Jones for John Ryan while Silver Canyon (10/1) was a short head back in third for the double seeking duo of Christy Roche and Jody McGarvey. Troll D'Oudairies was sent off the 11/4 favourite for the father and son team of Martin and Conor Brassil but he could only manage fourth.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "That was grand. The handicapper gave him eight pounds for finishing fifth the last day and I’m glad he won for the owner.

"He’ll probably run in a couple of novice hurdles now in England. Keith gave him a great ride. He took his time and he let them race away and followed on. It worked out grand."

The winner was recording his second racecourse success this evening having won a bumper on his third start at Worcester back in October 2011. He was shedding his maiden tag over hurdles on the twelfth attempt.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson