The David Martin Kelly trained Colmanstown Hope under conditonal rider Luke McNiff, ran out a 3 1/2 length winner of The Drogheda Handicap Chase making it a first win over fences for the jockey.

McNiff was always prominent, led from 3rd, strongly pressed 2 out but kept on well to hold off the 7/2 favourite Selection Box of Colm McBratney's.

Winning trainer Kelly said afterwards, "A light weight and ground conditions all suited today. He is better going this way round and we'll go for another handicap with him next."