Drumgill demonstrated that a recent fall in Roscommon had not shaken his confidence, as he claimed victory in the extended 2m1f maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe.
He started strong, but was overtaken by Godblessyourosie at the second flight and maintained a close watch on her for the remainder of the race. As they approached the last hurdle, Danny Gilligan pushed Drumgill into the lead, and they quickly made their way to the finish line while Godblessyourosie faded. Meanwhile, the morning-price mover Person of Interest began to close in on Drumgill down the stretch.
Drumgill fought hard and managed to hold off the challenge, finishing a half-length ahead and justifying his status as the 7/4 favourite. The runner-up, who had been backed from 14/1 to 5/1 before going off at 15/2, was a Person of Interest. Frankendael finished nicely in third at 8/1, just over three lengths behind the winner.
Gilligan reflected on the race: "I was second to him here in a maiden. He had a heavy fall on the last day in Roscommon and has done well to bounce out of that. He probably didn't make things as simple as I'd have liked as he was quite keen, and I tried to keep the lid on him for as long as I could. He was a bit long at the last, but that was probably rider error more than anything. Even though I was in front sooner than I wanted, he's done well to hold on, and I'm delighted to ride a winner for John (Ryan)."