Close at the last as (l to r) Rebel Fitz, Lyreen Legend, Dedigout and Colour Squadron take off together© Photo Healy Racing
Dedigout stormed clear on the run-in to run out a convincing winner of the Cathal Ryan Memorial Champion Novice Hurdle.
Four jumped the last in contention in the Grade One contest but it was the Gigginstown horse who proved strongest in the finish. Lyreen Legend had hit the front turning in and was soon tackled by both Colour Squadron and Rebel Fitz
Davy Russell got a gap between horses on Dedigout going to the final flight, however, and he touched down just in front.
The well supported 10/3 shot (from 4/1) found another gear on the run to the line to record a two-length success over Colour Squadron.
"I had intended to run him in the three-mile race but the two bosses (Michael and Eddie O'Leary) thought it would be better to run in this," said trainer Tony Martin afterwards.
"He missed every hurdle at Naas but things worked out today.
"He jumps his hurdles big and safe and looks a nice prospect for chasing. He should develop into a nice staying chaser.
"That's his ground and he was always going to stay - he outstayed them. On quicker ground the likes of those horses get away from him.
"He's an old fashioned horse and is so laid back."
Russell was full of praise for the winning trainer:-
"I'm over the moon and all credit to Tony Martin. I felt he had enough after Naas. We worked him a few times and he disappointed.
"Tony put a tongue tie on him and we rode him with a little bit of patience. He has transformed from being a bad jumper to a good jumper that stays very well on heavy ground.
"The gap was there (going to the last) and he was brave enough to go through it."
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