Rivage D'Or impresses in Ballinrobe finale

The best may well have been saved till last at Ballinrobe as the concluding race of 2012 at the Mayo venue was taken in style by Rivage D'Or

Favourite, Sin Palo exited three out in the Tote Return All Profits To Irish Racing Steeplechase. Davy Russell then quickly put this two and three quarter miler to bed from before the next on the successful French-bred.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned 8/1 shot sluiced up by eleven lengths from Berties Dream

Dessie Hughes trains the costly to follow Rivage D'Or and he said: "Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him.

"He disappointed last season after winning his beginners. He just wasn't right then but he stays three miles and he goes on the soft."

Rivage D'Or did return with a little 'nick' low down on a hind leg but connections didn't seem to think it was anything to be concerned about. (EM)