Yesterday’s Paddy Power Chase winning connections Dermot Weld and jockey Robbie McNamara were on the mark in the opening Bord Na Mona Clean Water Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown today, with long odds-on chance Hidden Universe

McNamara made the running on last year’s Punchestown Champion Bumper winner, eventually coasting to an impressive win over Joe Smooth

Afterwards Weld stated “Hidden Universe will go for a winners’ of one race next and jumped big and safe today. He would be better suited by a stronger pace and a lead but he is potentially a horse with a big future.”

William Hill bookmakers cut the gelding to 12/1 (from 14/1) for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Thomas Weekes