The well-backed Ibsen ran out an easy winner of the opener at Downpatrick, the Downe (C&G) Maiden Hurdle, scoring on his first start for Gordon Elliott.

Formerly trained on the level by John Murphy the six-year-old son of Dubawi was second on his first three starts over hurdles before his form went downhill last year.

Available at 4/1 last night he was well-supported throughout today, opening on-course at just 7/4 before going off the clear 11/8 favourite.

Settled towards rear by Kevin Sexton he improved through the field before four out. He went in pursuit of Unic De Bersy before two out and hit the front after the last, going on from there to score easily by four lengths.

Unic De Bersy was friendless with punters (11/10 last night and from 2/1 to 11/4 on-course) and he finished second under Bryan Cooper for Willie Mullins while Young Dillon (9/2) was two and a half lengths back in third under Danny Mullins for his mother Mags.

Kevin Sexton said afterwards: "He jumped great and we fancied him today. It was nice to see the rain come. I had plenty of horse under me.

"I'd say the ground is yielding, it is riding very well."

Attheraces presenter Gary O'Brien owns the winner along with Eamonn Collins, Connor Brett and winning trainer Elliott.

O'Brien said in the aftermath: "We'll tip away. Today was the plan. He might go to Perth."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham