Commander too good for odds-on Cuba

Commander Won made all to take the opener at Kilbeggan this evening, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

A three time winner on the level, the Dermot McLoughlin trained six-year-old was unplaced on his three previous efforts over flights.

Available at 20/1 in early shows, the son of Zamidar opened on-course at 16s before going off a 14/1 chance in the colours of Sean Gallagher.

Sent straight to the front by James O'Sullivan, he made a slight mistake three out. He was pressed by the 8/13 favourite Santiago De Cuba before the last, but soon had his measure, going on to score by three and a half lengths.

The aforementioned market leader finished second under Donal McInerney for Joseph O'Brien, while Papal Motel (4/1) was a length a quarter back in third.

"I just said to him to ride him handy and be positive," said McLoughlin.

"I was concerned that he might not get two miles but if he was ever going to get it he was going to get it around here.

"He did it well. He said he jumped, travelled and picked up well.

"He seems to be happiest in front and he'll pick up a bit for you. That was good, I knew he'd like the ground anyway and he said he never missed a beat jumping on that ground.

"The handicapper can't be too hard on us after that.

"His owner (Sean Gallagher) isn't well. He has a lot of horses in training but he's not able to get around the way he used to."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson