Loch Long gained an overdue win over timber when taking the Mulholland Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.
Tracey Collins' charge had been placed in Grade 1 company at Punchestown last year but had failed to show that level of form this term before finish a decent second at Tipperary last time.
He did the job in convincing fashion tonight, however, hitting the front at the second last and staying on strongly from before the straight.
Alan Crowe just needed to give him one backhander on the run-in to secure a cosy four-and-a-half success over Glenstar
The winner was stepping up to two-and-a-half miles for the first time and Crowe said afterwards:- "I wasn't too worried about the trip as he got two-miles on the Flat.
"He had a high rating from his three-year-old days and deserved to win a maiden. Hopefully he can pick up a winners' of one during the summer."
