Ace Combat made a winning debut for trainer Joseph O'Brien at Roscommon today as the French import landed the Londis Roscommon Maiden and in the process completed a double for jockey Wayne Lordan.

The Sun Bloodstock owned son of Shamardal finished last on his only start as a juvenile last November when trained by Criquette Head-Maarek but today improved to score a narrow head and short-head win over Freetown and Crecerelle

O'Brien, notching his 51st winner of the season, wasn't present but jockey Lordan, earlier successful on Thomond O'Mara's Hatton Cross said he's a lovely big horse and it was his first run for Joseph. He thought he might want 1m4f, he's a little bit babyish and that trip might suit him better.

“He jumped and travelled and put his head down and tried. He's a fine big horse.

“He stuck his head out well. He felt a little bit babyish when I asked him to go forward so hopefully there is plenty of improvement in him.”

Quotes from Gary Carson