Tiliver clears the last under Adrian Heskin© Photo Healy Racing
Alan Fleming, Barry Connell and Adrian Heskin continued their good run of form as they took the opener at Ballinrobe, the Tim Kelly Group 3yo Maiden Hurdle, with French import Tiliver
Third on his debut over flights in France the son of Muhaymin was sent off the well-backed 10/11 favourite today having opened at 5/4 on-course (was available at 5/2 last night with Powers).
Having raced mainly in second he improved to dispute after two out. He was pushed along to lead before the last and was left clear on the run-in, going on to score easily by nine lengths. Le Vagabond (4/1) was second and looked held when he crashed out at the last under Andrew Lynch for Edward O'Grady. Double Windsor (14/1), who attempted to make all, finished second under Pat Corbett for David O'Brien while Vocal Heir (8/1) was a length back in third under Sean Flanagan for Brendan Duke.
Alan Fleming said afterwards: "He had a run over hurdles in France which is always a help. His work and schooling has been good. We'll look for a winners race, and he could go to Punchestown next.
"Adrian said he handled that ground fine. The way he jumped today you would say he's a chaser but he was good and quick at the last."
Sadly Boris Bike who finished sixth, collapsed and died on the way back in after the race.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
