Delface a surprise winner of Wexford opener

There was a surprise winner of the opener at Wexford, the Pinnacle. Tomcoole, Waters & Kelly's Bakery Maiden Hurdle, with the Liz Doyle trained Delface just prevailing under Brian O'Connell.

Last of nine on his debut in a bumper at Leopardstown in January, the son of Della Francesca then finished tenth behind Dandy Mag on his first start over flights at Gowran last month.

Sent off an easy to back 16/1 chance this afternoon, he was settled in mid-division. He was a closer fourth before four out, and came with his challenge on the outer as they entered the straight.

He was ridden from the second last, and responded well to pressure on the run-in, getting up close home to prevail by a head. Leomar was the one he reeled-in, and he had to settle for second under Luke McGuinness for Gordon Elliott at 3/1. Tree Of Knowledge who was backed from 4/1 to 11/4 on-course, was another length and three parts back in third, while the other Joseph O'Brien trained runner, Theydon Park (6/4fav), was a disappointing sixth.

Liz Doyle said afterwards: "He ran in a bumper at Leopardstown that has worked out really well but it's taken a while for the penny to drop. He's very babyish and backward but every race he's taking a huge step forward."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee