Kings Keeper makes breakthrough in Wexford

Kings Keeper and Charlie O'Dwyer enjoyed themselves at the head of affairs in the opportunity maiden hurdle at Wexford.

Henry de Bromhead's seven-year-old gelding sported cheekpieces for the first time on the back of five placed efforts in maiden hurdles.

He went off 2/5 favourite for this assignment and, in truth, his backers had very little to worry about.

He was still tanking along at the front turning in as his rivals came off the bridle in behind. Once he cleared the last, the sole danger was Copperwell but, on the run-in, Kings Keeper was driven out to see him off by two and a quarter lengths.

Runner-up Copperwell was a 12/1 chance and came in three and a quarter lengths ahead of Starzov (50/1).

O'Dwyer said: "They went quick early on and, once they eased down, we got to the front and had a nice lead. He did it like he was priced.

"That's my first winner for Gigginstown, so it's great. I had a winner for Henry before on the level at Dundalk, a horse called Annexation, and it's nice to get another winner for him."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy