Domination on top in opener

Domination was the one for money in the opening maiden hurdle at Clonmel and ran out a cosy winner under Brian Byrnes.

Charles Byrnes' charge had attracted support at 4/1 this morning and was sent off 9/4 favourite for the two-mile event.

He tracked the leaders before taking closer order turning for home. The Motivator gelding was ridden to hit the front before the final flight.

He soon had matters in hands and could afford to ease down in the closing stages to record a seven-length victory over front-running pair Couleur De La Loi and Rough Times

"He seemed to handle the ground well. His last couple of runs were decent enough - good enough to win this," said the winning trainer afterwards.

Cheltenham could now be on the cards for the winner with the Ballingarry handler adding:- "He'll get an entry for the Fred Winter."