Mahlers Dollar gained an overdue success in fine style when running out a convincing winner of the opening Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Terence O'Brien's charge had been placed on seven previous occasions, including when chasing home Chicago Time on his most recent outing at Cork last month.

He was sent to post 13/8 favourite in today's two-miler and made no mistake under Jack Foley.

The Mahler gelding went to the front turning for home and stretched clear before the last to post a five-and-a-half length success over 25/1 shot Free Nelson

Mahlers Dollar runs in the colours of the Terence O'Brien Racing Club and the trainer said:- "He has had wind issues all along but we thought he had a bit of ability and might be a nice summer horse.

“He has been very consistent for us and he is going from strength to strength. He is very good to jump and will jump a fence but we'll compete away over hurdles.

"We'll find a handicap or a novice next and the final of the series is a definite possibility. It would be a great one to go for and if he picked up prize-money in the meantime it would be ideal.

"A few lads suggested forming a syndicate during lockdown last year and while I hadn't much enthusiasm due to all the administration, it opened up ownership to a lot of lads who I didn't think would have any interest.

"There are 30 members in the syndicate and 50 or 60 people are here today who wouldn't normally be here on a Thursday.

“We've started another club on the back of this one and there seems to be good demand for it and it gives smaller trainers a chance."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)