Highly-rated ex-Flat performer Laafi (28/1 - 18s) made a winning jumps debut at Limerick today, landing the Signsplus Maiden Hurdle for trainer Bill Durkan and jockey Philip Byrnes.

Out of a half-sister to a Group 1 winner, Laafi was rated 90 when winning his third U.K. Flat race in October and having been sold subsequently to the Four D Partnership for 35,000gns, today scored on jumps debut when beating Kainsbourg — a €355,000 French import, by 2.75 lengths.

Byrnes had his first career ride for Durkan on fourth-placed Holy See in today’s opener and, following his success on Laafi, reported “it was a very good performance and he really jumped and travelled. He handled that ground well and it was a nice performance to do that first-time-out over hurdles against horses with runs.

“He had a very good level of form on the Flat in England and his last win was in Doncaster on easy groudn so we were hopeful coming here. Gary (Bannon, assistant trainer) said he was in right order.

“There was a false start and I got a better position after it so it all worked out and I was delighted to get the ride.”