Top Man completes quick double

Noel Meade and Davy Condon (deputising for the injured Paul Carberry) struck on the double with Top Man Michael and Johannisberger in the early action in Roscommon last night.

Top Man Michael, winner of a mile-and-a-half handicap at Galway on Sunday, justified even-money favouritism in the opening Railway Bar 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle, the first juvenile hurdle of the season, while Johannisberger bounced back from a disappointing run at Sligo in May (reportedly lame) to land the gaaroscommon.ie Maiden Hurdle in convincing style.

Part of a Galway double for Athenry owner Martin Cullinane on Sunday, Top Man Michael travelled and jumped well on his hurdling bow before easing clear on the run-in to beat well-backed Everything Zain by a length and three-quarters, denying Bryan Cooper, rider of the runner-up, a 20th birthday winner.