Darkest Flyer posted a ready victory in the two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle at Limerick, on his first start for Noel Meade.

The five-year-old gelding took three lengths out of Whenthewindblows before the penultimate flight.

He then moved clear of Global Racing who had improved into second, by the last and galloped home by five and a half lengths.

He was backed in from 9/2 to 7/2 joint favourite. Global Racing was a 12/1 chance with Whenthewindblows in third at 11/2. Dixie Highway completed the places at 14/1.

Winning jockey Jonathan Moore said: "In fairness to him he was working well at home and we knew we were coming here with a live chance.

"The race probably fell apart a bit and I had him up handy and he won a bit cosier than it looked.

"Noel has has him a few months and, on his homework, he had a right chance. Hopefully he can improve for that again."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes