He's got a record of three wins and a close second placing now since joining Dermot McLoughlin, Dromore Lad s latest success coming in the Buy Your 2018 Fairyhouse Membership On Course Today Handicap Hurdle. Apache Jack put it to his rivals from the front in this stamina test, but the Danny Hand ridden Dromore Lad took his measure into the straight. Allez Kal was soon on the case of the 13/8 favourite, though supporters of the well-backed market-leader wouldn't ever really have had huge cause for concern.

Dromore Lad did 'miss' the second last alright but at the finish he had six lengths in hand over the aforementioned Allez Kal.

"He's an improving little horse, and Danny said he was still a bit green when he hit the front," reported McLoughlin.

"He's going the right way and that's three wins in his last four runs and beaten a head in the other. If they were all doing that you would be happy.

"There is a nice little race in him somewhere along the way so we might give him a bit of a break now. He's a good while on the go."

(AM & EM)