The Abbey and Danny Gilligan © Photo Healy Racing
The Abbey (15/2) made the most of a light weight to win the Club Mixers Handicap Chase under Danny Gilligan.
With the latter's valuable claim, the ten-year-old had just 9st 11lb to shoulder and he came from mid-division early on to lead two out before seeing the 3m2f trip out best to account for Yeah Man by four and three quarter lengths.
The versatile Yeats gelding, who began his career with his breeder Kevin Prendergast, was adding a first win over fences to two Flat wins and a hurdle victory.
Gordon Elliott trains the winner for the When In Rome Partnership which includes broadcaster Gary O'Brien who was on duty at the Curragh.
Assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill said: "He's a real fun horse and they've had great craic with him.
"He did that really well today, he was taking on that trip for the first time. He won with plenty in hand.
"It definitely does (open up options over those trips) and it is nice to have a few options especially with him as he is getting on a little bit.
"Sometimes things don't click for him but it all clicked today and that's the main thing.
"He'll mix and match.
"He has a great bunch of lads that own him and I'm sure they will be getting a great kick out of that today.
"It's hard to remember today is the first day of the season, so brilliant, and a great ride by Danny Gilligan. He's a guy that is really going places. He has a valuable 7lb claim, so that helped things today."
Quotes from Michael Graham
