Darren Bunyan's 25/1 chance Mister Trader (Leigh Roche up) landed the opening Tally Ho Stud European Breeders Fund Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at the Curragh.

The son of Hellvelyn soon led for Roche, and the Straight To Victory Syndicate-owned juvenile was asked to go and win his race from over a furlong out.

Mister Trader soon asserted for a very convincing four and a quarter length win over Comhghairdeas

"It wasn't that much of a surprise. He was a horse that was doing everything right at home," said Bunyan.

"He's a very straight-forward and very solid little two-year-old. He hadn't been away for a racecourse gallop and was only on grass once.

"He's a horse for the future I think. I have twelve two-year-olds this season which is my biggest number ever and they seem a quality bunch.

"He's not at the top but he'd be very close - I suppose he is the top now.

"I'll look at the winners of one at Navan in about a month's time and the Marble Hill would be another option.

"He's a horse that will improve a good bit from the experience. I thought coming here he would improve more than most would. People like to have their horses wound up for the first day but he's not.

"He's a horse we've been looking forward to since he started to do a bit.

"He could step up a bit on better ground to six or seven. He's a horse that stays well but has plenty of boot."

R.P. Cleary, rider of Rounding trained by Brendan W.Duke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount anticipated the start.

(GC & EM)