< Hail Caesar was highly tried on the level when with Aidan O'Brien but he now seems to have found his forte over obstacles, claiming a first success at Ballinrobe.

The four-year-old enjoyed three Group One starts for the Ballydoyle team but he changed hands after failing to make any sort of impact in Pattern company.

However, the 11-4 shot improved on his two previous National Hunt starts as he strolled home by seven lengths in the News Maiden Hurdle.

Trainer Ted Walsh said: "He jumped and travelled and the bit of experience helped him. On his flat form he was entitled to do that.

"He will run in the four-year-old novice hurdle at Galway next Monday now."< City Hustler is another who will be heading to Galway next week after his game three-quarter-length victory over Get It On in the Yolanda O'Gorman Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

Karl Thornton, son of the winning owner/trainer, Sean, said: "He'll go to Galway next Friday for the amateur handicap hurdle. He doesn't do a tap in front and he probably got there a bit too soon."

City Hustler could clash with Impersonator in the Guinness (QR) Handicap Hurdle after the latter's success as 9-4 favourite in the Almotech In-Store Radio Handicap Hurdle.

Trainer Tony Mullins said: "There is a two-mile handicap at Galway on Monday but that will come too soon.

"He'll probably go for the amateur handicap hurdle over two miles two on the Friday."

Eddie O'Connell was aboard for City Hustler's win and he doubled up aboard Vivaldi in the Eamon Sheridan Plant Hire Novice Hurdle.

Sent off the 13-8 joint-favourite, he held off fellow market leader Waterloo Chateau by a length and three-quarters.

"He'll probably go to Galway or maybe Sligo, he seems to like both courses. He stays well and he is a tough little horse," said Cecil Mahon, who was representing trainer Jimmy Lambe.