Useful bumper performer Just For Joe made a winning hurdle debut in the Four Roads Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon this evening.

Just For Joe had raced keenly in previous outings but jockey Shay Barry did well to anchor the son of Presenting behind the leaders eventually moving the gelding clear in the straight for a comfortable win.

Winning trainer Hannah Lee was represented by assistant trainer Kevin Foy who said “Just For Joe was in at Navan at the weekend but the ground went too quick for him and we pulled him out.

“He got a bit tired late on but we think he’s very nice and you couldn’t ask for any more first time over hurdles. He will improve for the run and jumped well apart from being a bit high at a few of them.

“He’ll probably go for a winners’ of one now and looks a graded horse at home – Shay (Barry) said that today too. Hopefully he will run in some of the nicer races over the winter.”

Thomas Weekes