Montan proved best in the mud to land the opening Sean Graham Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

Ruby Walsh produced the gelding to lead going to the last and he stayed on well to hold off the challenge of Out Now by three-parts-of-a-length.

It was a local success for owner Bill Moffett, who is based in Moira - a few miles from the course.

"I don't know where we'll go with him. We'll just keep him to handicap hurdles," said trainer Tony Martin afterwards.

Paul Carberry was severely cautioned after failing to weigh in on the fifth placed Tonto Murphy