Teenager Muskatsturm on the mark

The 13-year-old Muskatsturm showed he's not finished with yet when claiming the first division of the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Remarkably it was the gelding's first start over hurdles in over eight years and he was returning from a 256-day break to win on his first start for Donegal trainer Charles Moore.

The German-bred was a smart sort at his peak on the Flat, finishing second in listed company, and was racing off only 81 over timber today.

Keith Donoghue made ground up on his mount two out and challenged Moving On rounding for home.

The 16/1 shot hit the front before the last and soon asserted, easing down in the closing stages for a four-and-three-quarter length success.

"He did it in style. He's had wee problems and was off for a bit," said Moore afterwards.

"It's eight years since he was hurdling and I was thinking about retiring him after this but I might rethink it now.

"Keith gave him a peach of a ride and made his way forward at the right time.

"A good horse is a good horse and he was always one."

Brian Hayes, rider of the third-placed Haranque who had kept on one-paced after racing prominently, was hit with a seven-day ban for excessive use of the whip.

(On course reporting by Thomas Weekes)