Trainer Michael Hourigan landed his second consecutive Elan Midlands National when Rockholm Boy put up a tremendous performance to take the #40,000 feature at Kilbeggan last evening.
Jumping superbly for Philip Carberry, the eight year-old made most of the running and had enough in reserve to hold the late challenge of top-weight Spot Thedifference.
'He was unlucky to be brought down at Cork last time and will go to Galway now, probably for the 'Blazers' Handicap Chase on the Saturday,' said Hourigan, whose other runner, last year's winner Scallybuck, finished unplace.
Philip Rothwell and Joe Casey combined to record a double with Rapsan and Ear To The Ground. The latter was controversially disqualified after scoring over hurdles at Naas last time, and demonstrated her versatility when successfully switching to fences in the EBF Beginners Chase.
Rapsan was made to battle hard before edging out favourite Whispering Hope in the Tom McCormack Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
Craughwell trainer Paul Gilligan saddled his first winner under rules when Broadstone Road readily took the Foster & Allen Maiden Hurdle, racing clear before the straight to score by six lengths.
The 27 year-old, who previously tasted success in the point-to-point field, has held a full licence for two years and may now send the four year-old to his local Galway meeting.
