Big Jim Dwyer well punted and wins on first start for Mullins

Big Jim Dwyer landed a gamble on first start for Emmet Mullins in the opening claiming hurdle at Limerick.

He was backed from 4/1 to 4/6 during the day and was returned the 8/11 favourite.

He was put in to be claimed for €4,000 and his backers had very few moments of concern.

The six-year-old gelding, in the first-time hood, raced in fifth under Donagh Meyler behind clear leader Classic Concorde

The front-runner was swallowed up by the field approaching the home bend as strong-travelling Big Jim Dwyer eased into a narrow lead before the second last. Eclair De Beaufeu tried to go with him, but had no answers after the last as Big Jim Dwyer jumped it to his left before keeping on best to win by two and a half lengths from the 3/1 runner-up. Vocarium was another three lengths back in third at 6/1.

The winner returned lame and with a cut to his near fore tendon. Trainer Mullins was on lead-up duty.

His Shiroccoville has also been well backed during the day for the 2m6f handicap hurdle at 7.45.

Big Jim Dwyer was formerly trained in Britain by Keith Dalgleish and had been off for over a year. Todays was the first victory of his career.

Jordan Gainford was stood down after a fall at the last from Excelcior

Claims after this race: Big Jim Dwyer claimed back by Emmet Mullins for €4,000. Eclair De Beaufeu was claimed by Edward O'Grady for €15,000 and Vocarium was claimed for €4,000 by Noel C Kelly.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes