Captain dances in

Captain Dancer made an impressive jumping debut when readily landing division two of the Visit Tipperary Maiden Hurdle in the hands of Davy Russell.

The son of Danehill Dancer, twice a winner on the Flat in Britain for Barry Hils, has only joined the Co. Limerick yard of Charles Byrnes in recent months and looked a useful recruit here.

The 3/1 chance was poised on the inner throughout and, after Russell switched his mount right to challenge approaching the last, the result was never in doubt.

The five-year-old led over the last on a tight rein and cruised home a length and three quarters ahead of the well-backed Spot Fine (6/1, from 10's). Mullaghwillin Boy (25/1) cut out alot of the running before settling for third spot a further six and a half lengths back, while the 9/4 favourite (from 11/4) Deep Determination proved a bitter disappointment finishing in rear.

Byrnes said, “We'll tip away with him and try to find a winners-of-one. The trip (nine furlongs) was on the short side for him at Listowel last time but he works well at home.”

Alan Magee