The Cistercian College Roscrea Racing Syndicate's colours have been carried to success in recent years by Spiritual Society and their black and white silks were back in the winner's enclosure courtesy of The Midnight Club in the 20% Online Discount Novice Hurdle.

This fellow had previously won a point-to-point, a bumper and a maiden hurdle for owner Tom Gilligan, and he was well-backed to make it three on the bounce in this three miler. In an event that took almost seven minutes to run, The Midnight Club got the better of his market-rival, Clan Tara to prevail by two lengths under Emmet Mullins (a former pupil of the aforementioned school). There was a distance back to Orpheus Valley

Successful trainer, Willie Mullins said: "Emmet did his Leaving Cert in Roscrea last year and we all went there. He gave the horse a fantastic cool ride, he rides him with great confidence. I will keep the horse to testing tracks and trips, he only really gets going late on. We have no plan as such."

Meanwhile Seamus Hennessy, a teacher from the school, said: "Willie and George (Mullins) were the founding members of the society which is going for thirty five years." (EM)