The old adage of backing the outsider in a three horse race paid dividends as Original Option took the two mile four furlong novices hurdle at Listowel at 3/1.

The race cut up badly with three of the original six runners - Safari Sunup, Tavern Times and The Breathalyser - declared non-runners. Tavern Times was the forecast favourite but was pulled out beforehand due to injury.

Paul Carberry rode a fine race from the front on Noel Meade’s Original Option as Bullock Harbour and Rattan sat second and third throughout respectively. He kept enough in reserve to hold Bullock Harbour by three-and-three-parts-of-a-length at the finish despite a poor jump at the last.

Runner-up Bullock Harbour was sent off the 11/10 favourite for Jessica Harrington and Barry Geraghty while Rattan (13/8) for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh never improved upon third place in the race as he finished two-and-a-half-lengths back.

Successful trainer Noel Meade said: “I’ve very few runners this week. This comes that bit early for winter horses.

“We thought the ground was too soft for him, but with so few runners we decided to take our chance.

“He is still a novice over hurdles and fences so has plenty of doors open to him. He is improving all the time and has a real good jumping pedigree.

"I'm delighted fo the owner Mrs Marie O'Driscoll who has been an owner with me for a lot of years."

Michael Graham