Michael Hourigan has an impeccable training record at Kilbeggan and he opened his seasonal account at the venue last evening when saddling Scallybuck to land the Bloomfield House Hotel Handicap Hurdle.

It was also another memorable moment for the Hourigan family as son Paul, who partnered the 7 to 2 shot to victory, lost his 3lb claim to become a fully-fledged rider. Next month, he heads to Australia to represent his country in the annual Jockey's Challenge.

"This horse adores the hard going," the Patrickswell handler said. "He had a touch of a leg during the year and I just put him out in the field. He came back to win a point-to-point and now has won again here. If I could keep him sound he could win more." Kieran Kelly, also a member of the four-pronged Irish team heading to the southern hemisphere along with Barry Geraghty and Jason Maguire, was successful in the opening maiden hurdle on former Dermot Weld inmate, Grey Ciseaux.

Now with Cavan handler Shane Donohoe, who trains the grey for his mother Eilish, the 10 to 1 chance drew steadily clear after the penultimate flight to come home with six lengths to spare over Silver Hope.