Spin A Yarn and JJ Slevin pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien recorded his tenth winner in the last week, as Spin A Yarn took the opener at Ballinrobe, the Paddy Smyth Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
Tenth on debut in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at the Punchestown Festival, the son of Flemensfirth put in a much improved performance to finish third on his next start over flights at Roscommon.
Having opened at 15/8 on-course this evening, he eventually went off the clear favourite at 7/4.
Ridden by JJ Slevin, the four-year-old bay was far from fluent at times as he raced mainly in second.
He improved to lead before the third last, and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, holding off the challenge of Skeaping by a length and a half.
The runner-up was returned at 14/1 under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott, while Artiste Celebre (6/1) was eighteenth lengths back in third for Donagh Meyler and Eoin Doyle.
"I could hear Davy coming to me and my lad was a bit lairy out in front. He wasn't doing a whole lot. He found plenty and I think if Davy had to get closer my lad would have kept finding. He dug deep," said Slevin.
"He has a nice level of ability and he's improving away the whole time.
"He's a nice horse for the future."
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.E. Mullins, rider of English Pale trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
A.E. Lynch, rider of Billy's Angel trained by Adrian Murray, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount emptied.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Billy's Angel, trained by Adrian Murray, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined English Pale, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
