Hell Cat Maggie came to the rescue of beleaguered favourite backers in Roscommon when coming through to take the spoils in the extended two and a half mile handicap hurdle. Belle Et Bete justified 4/7 favouritism in the first race, but since then the results read as follows: 16/1, 11/2, 14/1 and 11/1.

Barry Geraghty did the steering this evening. She improved into third at the second last and got her head in front before the final obstacle. After negotiating that she stayed on stoutly to win by a length and a half at 9/2. Rodger Roo occupied second place at 10/1, a neck in front of May Dullea (5/1).

Edward O’Grady said: “She’ll probably go chasing. Whether she’ll go over hurdles again or not, I’m not sure. I’ll have to speak to the owner (Kieran Cotter).

“She’s very consistent. She had a number of seconds before she won and it’s funny when they get into the habit of winning things can really turn around.

“She’s a fine big mare with a nice pedigree and hopefully she can progress over fences.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee