Deserved win for Francois as Meyler doubles-up

Francois deservedly opened his account in Ireland, as he took the Ladbrokes Extra Places On Racing Every Day Hurdle, completing a double for Donagh Meyler.

A dual winner in his native France, the Mary Ellen Doyle trained seven-year-old was placed three times on his last four starts, filling the runner-up spot at Thurles in January and again at Limerick last month.

Third on his most recent outing at Wexford, the son of Muhtathir was available at 13/2 in early shows but eventually went off at just 7/2.

Having raced in fourth on the inner, the chestnut gelding was switched to the outside approaching the straight and was ridden to the front before last, at which he was foot perfect.

The front-running Wolf Prince threw down a renewed effort on the run-in, but Francois pulled out more under pressure in the closing stages, coming home a length-and-a-quarter to the good.

The runner-up was returned at 7/1 under Keith Donoghue, while the 2/1 joint-favourites, Soviet Pimpernel and Off You Go were third and fourth respectively.

"We had to go back to the drawing board after his few runs but we got it right today so we're very happy," said Doyle.

"It was a good performance today. He was third in Wexford two weeks ago, when Donagh rode him, and came on from that."

Meyler was earlier successful aboard Alpha Male with his brace coming in at just over 48/1.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson