Yeah Man continued Gavin Cromwell's strong start to 2023, as he justified 11/10 favouritism (2s in early shows) in the www.thurlesraces.ie Maiden Hurdle.

The winner of a point-to-point when trained by Cormac Doyle, the Westerner bay was second on his debut over flights at Naas in December and again filled the runner-up spot on his most recent start at Clonmel.

Upped in trip this afternoon, he was settled in mid-division on the inner by Keith Donoghue, taking closer order with over a circuit to race.

Sent to the front before the second last, he was ridden out on the run-in to score by two-and-three parts of a length, from Japers Jack (11/2) and Rowdy Romeo (14/1) in second and third respectively.

"He got there eventually. He probably wanted a trip and he got away with that ground, I don't know if he'd be a good ground horse but it's nice to get his head in front," Cromwell, who was recording his 16th winner of the 2023, said.

"We'll have a look and see what the handicapper does now. We might look at a rated novice or something."

STEWARDS REPORT

P. Townend, rider of Dinoland (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson