At the 19th time of asking Avec Espoir shed his maiden tag in style, in division one of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Tipperary.

Twice at the top of the tree in the novice rider ranks in point-to-points, Shane Fitzgerald is making a decent impression since going conditional in May.

He just had to stay aboard over the closing couple of fences on the O’Brien brother’s 12/1 chance, Avec Espoir, given how well the chestnut was travelling.

Owned by Sean and trained by Val in County Galway, the successful eight-year-old threw a lovely neat leap at the last, before sauntering home by nineteen lengths from Mister Bells

Val O'Brien said afterwards: "It took him four years to win and he won too well!

"He has bits of form back a bit, especially left-handed, so if you can get him in left-handed it suits him."

N. Terrassin, rider of Echoes Of Family trained by Eddie & Patrick Harty, reported to the Clerk of Scales that he lost an iron after his mount made a bad mistake four out and he pulled up.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gold Creek trained by Aengus King, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

C. A. landers, rider of Gold Creek trained by Aengus King, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle todays going.

G. Brouder, rider of Olive D'haguenet (FR) trained by I.Madden, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

(TW & EM)