Capital off mark over timber

Venture Capital made a winning start over timber with a cosy success in the opening maiden hurdle at Wexford.

The Presenting gelding had been an impressive winner on his debut in a Fairyhouse bumper last season before struggling in desperate conditions in the Grade One event won by Champagne Fever at Punchestown.

Philip Fenton 's charge was sent off 11/10 favourite for his hurdling bow and got the job done in good style.

Brian O'Connell urged his mount to take closer order turning for home and he hit the front at the last from Our Native Land

He asserted on the run-in to post a two-and-three-quarter length success.

"At last!" exclaimed Fenton who had been waiting to run his charge.

"We've been trying to avoid heavy ground with him and today is as heavy as he would like it.

"Having the freshest of the ground today helped. He'll get two-and-a-half and the experience will stand to him.

"Leopardstown at Christmas is a possibility or else he could run in the New Year."

It was the first winner that Fenton has trained for owner JP McManus and the first time O'Connell carried the famous green and gold hoops to victory.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)