Battle Of Wills made a winning start over jumps when taking the opening four-year-old maiden hurdle at Naas this afternoon.

The Lawman gelding, a three-time winner on the level in England, was making his first outing for Gordon Elliott having cost £52,000 at the sales last October.

Davy Russell gave the 10/3 shot a confident ride as he travelled stylishly on to the heels of the leaders going to the second last. Van Meegeren proved a game rival, as they fought it out going to the last, but couldn't match Battle Of Wills on the run-in as he got to the front for a cosy half length win over the 100/1 outsider.

Elliott said:- “He was about three weeks off where we normally start them but I just wanted to get him started off because the season doesn’t be long about going for these juveniles.

“I think he’s nice and we’ll have a lot of fun with him. He’ll get one more run and will be entered in all the races at Cheltenham.

“We got him at the Horses in Training Sale in October and then got him gelded. We do like him.”

Boylesports introduced the winner at 20/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.

Following a running and riding enquiry into the performance of Kendancer (finished 9th) Charles Byrnes was fined €2,000, Kevin Brouder suspended for seven days and the horse banned for 42 days.

The following is the stewards report into the enquiry:-

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Kendancer (FR), ridden by K.J. Brouder, and trained by C.Byrnes. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. K.J. Brouder, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in fourth or fifth and get cover as the animal has run free previously. He said his mount carried its head very high through out, jumped poorly and came on and off the bridle. He further added that Kendancer (FR) never got into a positive rhythm and gave him no indication that he was ever going to get competitive in this race. C.Byrnes, confirmed the instructions given and described how his charge can be less than straight forward to ride. He said he understood why the rider had ridden Kendancer (FR) the way he had in the closing stages, but felt he should have been seen to make more of an effort. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Kendancer (FR)was found to be coughing post race. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that K.J. Brouder was in breach of Rule 212 A(ii)(insubstantial effort) and Rule 212 A(iii)(schooling) and having considered his record, they suspended him for 7 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. The Stewards were satisfied that C. Byrnes was in breach of Rule 212 A(iii)(schooling) and having considered his record, they fined him €2,000. Furthermore, the Stewards suspended Kendancer (FR) for 42 days in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212 A(v).

(Quotes by Alan Magee)