JUMBO RIO was out of luck in Saturday’s French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil but his trainer Edward O’Grady can strike back at Kilbeggan this evening with Garlic Hill.

O’Grady’s star hurdler Jumbo Rio fell on the second circuit of Saturday’s Grande Course de Hais D’Auteuil which was won in remarkable fashion by the top flat jockey Christophe Soumillon on Mandali.

Soumillon had had the first ride of his career over jumps just five days previously but dominated Saturday’s race by going immediately into the lead and making all to beat the favourite Questerabad by a distance.

The Belgian-born rider was an obstacle clear for much of the race and the other jockeys were booed by the crowd afterwards.

Ireland’s other hope on Saturday’s card, Loch Long in the Prix Alain Du Breil, finished last behind Solder Roque.

Nothing of that class lines up at Kilbeggan but Garlic Hill won on fast ground at Clonmel last time and should have no trouble with the three miles of this evening’s conditions hurdle.

The Charles Byrnes-trained Campbonnais is on a hat-trick in the second handicap hurdle and can score under Barry Geraghty despite a stone hike in the ratings for winning at Listowel earlier this month.

Ground conditions are an unknown with Manhattan Boy in the handicap chase which could let in Blaze Trailer for a win.