Carlo scores in style at Limerick

He started favourite for his bumper debut 272 days back and as a brother to Roberta Goldback Carloswayback had obvious credentials for his hurdling bow in the opening Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Limerick. The odds-on shot scored with the very minimum of fuss under Michael Doran.

A third winner as a claiming professional for Doran and his sixth in all, the Wexford pilot won't ride many easier winners than this fellow. His jumping was excellent and he powered on from between the last two to account for the staying on Knockfierna by five lengths.

James Nolan, brother of winning trainer Paul, said: "We think a fair bit of him. We didn't plan to come here today but when we saw the race we said we'd let him take his chance.

"We fancied him in his bumper but he was very babyish and ran too free. He'll improve an awful lot for today as that was his first time on grass for ages. I know it would be a huge step-up but the Royal Bond or the Navan novice hurdle (formerly the Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial) are options for him now."