The Noel Meade trained Stoneford made a winning debut at Fairyhouse today, scoring in the concluding Join Us In January - Racing 10th, 20th & 30th (Pro/Am) Bumper for owners Gigginstown House Stud.

Ridden by Nina Carberry, the son of Beneficial battled well for a length and a quarter win over Tayto Park

The winner arrived to Meade from Gigginstown's Gordon Elliott 'academy' and Meade later stated “Gordon had him last year but he was weak and he didn't get to run him. He's a nice horse, we've liked him all along and it's nice when you feel like they'll win and they do.

“I doubt very much if he'll run over hurdles and he'll probably go for a winners bumper. He loves soft ground, stays well and Nina said he got lazy in front and once she brought him beside the other fella he picked up again.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson