Progressive Enniskerry scores for Connell and Bolger

Enniskerry supplemented his Downpatrick victory by making all for Mark Bolger in the rated novice hurdle at Roscommon.

Barry Connell 's charge was an impressive 12-length winner of that extended two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle in the north and set out to dictate in this step up in trip to two and a half miles.

He had main market rival, Runrized cooked before the last third as that one came under pressure and dropped away to fourth.

It was the John Ryan pair of Ferdia and The Little Yank who raced second and third to the leader in jumping that flight.

The Little Yank was far from fluent and his challenge was soon over as Enniskerry led Ferdia over the next. The second was still travelling well enough, but came under the whip approaching the last.

Enniskerry sailed over it and this long-striding individual devoured the run-in to increase the margin to three and a quarter lengths at the line. He was well backed this morning from 7/4 and went off 5/4 favourite. Runner-up Ferdia was a 12/1 chance.

Connell said: “He's a classy horse and he had very good bumper form.

“He had one little setback first time over hurdles in Thurles when he had a little heart issue but it hasn't bothered him since.

“He won well up the north and I expected him to win again today. He's improving away all the time.

“He was running in his bumpers on bottomless ground and I'd say it just didn't suit him. He's a real good-ground horse.

“He had a bit of a blow there, so can hopefully improve again.

“He's seven years old but we'll probably keep going with him over hurdles and see what level he can get to.

“He has the option of going chasing as he is seven and he has the size. He jumps great.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson