David Marnane has made quite an impact in the training ranks in recent years and "an old favourite" of his, Premier Rouge registered his fifth career success (his fourth for Marnane) when taking the Rathoath GAA Loyalty Card Handicap at Fairyhouse today.

Ridden by Colm O'Donoghue, the son of Croc Rouge battled gamely to see off the challenge of Estephe by three parts of a length.

Afterwards Marnane reported of Premier Rouge, once off the racecourse for more than three years through injury, "he's a real favourite in the yard and is a super horse when he is right, doesn't break down or bleed!"

"He bled at the Curragh the last day and we freshened him up since then - we may go for a handicap hurdle at Galway next as he appears well enough handicapped."