Posse provides Staples with first win in conditional ranks Eoin Staples registered his first win in the conditional ranks, guiding Ahead Of The Posse to victory in the opener at Roscommon, the Knockcroghery Claiming Hurdle. Trained by Gavin Cromwell, the Shantou eight-year-old finished sixth over fences at Tipperary last week and came in for good market support this evening. Touching 25/1 in early shows for this extended two-and-a-half mile contest, the 105-rated bay was eventually returned at just 7s. Settled behind the leaders in fourth and taking closer order when ridden from three out, he disputed the lead with War Correspondent after the next. The Noel Crahan-owned victor ultimately pulled out that bit more on the run-in and beat his aforementioned rival by two-and-a-quarter lengths. The runner-up was returned at 6/1 under Paddy Cody, while Allo Al Khawaneej (16/1) was another four-and-a-half lengths back in third. Returned the 13/8 favourite, Dollar Value faded tamely when headed after two out and eventually finished fourth. "It's brilliant to do it for Gavin. I haven't been there long and he's given me plenty of support," Staples, who is from Duncormick, Co Wexford, enthused. "The horse did it well today, he jumped superbly. We got into a lovely rhythm and he won well. "Even when he got to the front he idled all the way down to the last but he picked up at the back of it when the horse (War Correspondent) came to him again. "I'm delighted with that." STEWARDS REPORT * The Raceday Stewards advised Jamie Albert Sloan, trainer of Retreat Archie, that a repeat performance from his charge who refused to race may render the animal liable to a suspension in the future. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
