Deman in control in Wexford opener

Demandrivingdouvan made all for an easy success in the opening Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden at Wexford this afternoon.

Amateur Brian Dunleavy, riding his first winner on the track, was the only one to keep his colours clean as he bounced out in front on the 15/8 favourite and dominated in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

The Walk In The Park gelding got a bit close at the second last but soon asserted and didn't have to come off the bridle to record an 11-length win. Ik's Man won the battle for the runner-up spot with Free Flowing

Demandrivingdouvan was making his first start since returning to Ellen Doyle, for whom he had won his point-to-point.

The six-year-old landed a bumper for Gordon Elliott last November before finishing fourth when a short price on his hurdling debut at Punchestown later that month.

James Doyle, brother of the winning trainer, said: "He started off with us originally and I'm delighted he is back with us. It was a bit up in air whether he'd go to America, but they told us to tip away with him.

"Rod Moorhead owns him and there is good a few others involved as well as he is half syndicated out. He is a big striding horse and we weren't going to disappoint him in any way so it was the plan to go out in front.

"I'll talk to Keri Brion now, she is more or less the racing manager for Rod. We'll have a chat with them and see. Maybe he'll go for a National at Far Hills, God only knows. He is a lovely horse to have and we are just lucky to have him back again."

Brian Dunleavy added: "That's my first track winner but I've had 26 in point-to-points. I'm from Dungourney in Co Cork."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)