Ahead Of The Posse was the well-backed winner (2/1f, from morning 9/2) of Tramore's Ryan's Cleaning Services Handicap Hurdle today, scoring on handicap debut for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Keith Donoghue.

Twice placed in bumpers, the son of Shantou today fought off the challenge of Knocknagappagh to score by three parts of a length.

Afterwards Donoghue reported “he battled on well. The ground is heavy out there and he probably just got away with it. He stays well and needed to. He probably wants nicer ground and a bit of a trip.

“Today was the day for him and he got the job done."

Quotes from Donal Murphy