Minella Times completed a quick double for Henry de Bromhead, Mark Walsh and owner JP McManus when claiming the Irish Farmers Journal Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

The 9/2 shot was making his first start since shaping with promise when fourth on his racecourse debut at Cork last November.

Walsh produced his mount to lead before the last and he kept on well in the closing stages to post a two-and-three-quarter length success over Glorious Legend

“That was grand. He's been off for a while, he liked the ground and jumped well,” said racing manager Frank Berry.

“He'll probably go down the handicap route and he'll jump a fence in time. He should stay further and it's nice to get his head in front.”