Marinero made the perfect start to his career with Henry De Bromhead, as he took the three mile Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort Hurdle.

Previously trained by Tony Martin, the seven-year-old son of Presenting had his last five runs over fences.

Back over hurdles today for the first time since winning at Down Royal in May of last year, he opened on-course at 3/1 before going off the 2/1 market leader in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.

He hit the front after two out, and kept on well from there, going on to score by a comfortable length and a quarter. Moylisha Tim (5/1), who attempted to make all, went down fighting, but he ultimately had to settle for second under JJ Slevin for Richie Rath.

The front two went six and a half lengths clear of Consharon Boy who finished third at 7/2 under David Splaine for Terence O'Brien.

Bryan Cooper was due to ride the winner, but he was injured at Kilbeggan on Friday evening, and David Mullins took over in the saddle.

Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "He jumped and he jumped well and David gave him a super ride.

"He's a lovely horse to have and we'll see how he comes out of that but he could possibly run in the 2m 6f beginners chase at Galway next.

"He seems good and I've been happy with him - in Aintree (April 2015) he looked like he was going to go close and he's a high class horse. I'm delighted to start like that with him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes