Kelly on the mark on Listen

The Willie Mullins-trained Listen Dear landed the odds with the minimum of fuss in the opening Mylerstown Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Niall Kelly bounced out in front on the hotpot in the two-miler and there was never a moments worry for punters.

The 4/7 shot, backed from 8/11 on course, had her rivals at work before the straight and cleared the last two flights in good style for an easy 18-length victory.

Orion's Might who had tried to give chase turning for home, filled the runner-up spot.

The winner was getting off the mark at the second attempt over hurdles having been turned over at a short price at Downpatrick last month.

It was 26-year-old Kelly's first winner for Mullins having been with the yard for the last year-and-a-half.

Patrick Mullins was representing his father and he said:-

"That's Niall's first winner for us and he is a very good rider who used to ride out Hurricane Fly when Paul (Townend) wasn't available. He gave her a good confident ride.

"She has a huge cruising speed so she bowled along in front and jumps fantastic. She needs good ground and we'll see what races are available now but we'll look for a mares' novice."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)