Bill Farrell’s Adam’s Return landed a gamble in Leopardstown’s seven furlong handicap when edging out third reserve Parc Aux Boules by a short head in the hands of Chris Hayes.

The winner was backed in from 4/1 to 9/4 favourite in a race in which no less than six horses were declared non-runners primarily due to the change in going to soft. The race was reduced to 11 runners.

The winner was shedding his maiden tag at the 14th time of asking but two placed finishes at Naas and Leopardstown had him in good form for today’s challenge.

Bill Farrell said: “He was due a win. He came back a bit quick the last time.

“The ground didn’t really suit him the last day [good to firm] but it suited him today.

“He deserves that. I’ve no real plans but we’ll go where the ground is soft.”

Veteran ten-year-old Parc Aux Boules, a chance ride for Shane Foley, was second at 14/1 and Burn The Floor took third at 7/1.

Foley received a one-day ban from the stewards for excessive use of the whip on Parc Aux Boules.

Michael Graham