Tigris River was sent off a short price for the opening contest at Bellewstown tonight and duly did the business as expected.

Jody McGarvey sat behind the leaders on the 8/11 favourite before making ground up three from home in the two-and-a-half mile conditions hurdle.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding hit the front over the last and was always in control as he went on to record a cosy two-and-a-half length win over Noble Inn

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, suggested the Mervue Handicap Handicap at Galway could be next on the agenda:-

“That was grand. Jody said he hit a flat patch up the back and was a bit worried for a bit but he picked up and jumped well. The conditions of the race suited him very well.

“He'll get a entry for the Galway hurdle but the race on the Saturday might suit him better as he looks like he needs a bit further these days.

“He got caught a bit for speed in the Galway Hurdle last year but he might know a bit more this year.”