Matchless scoots home in Listowel

Matchless stepped up on his debut fourth to take the honours in the opening juvenile maiden over seven furlongs at Listowel.

Seamie Heffernan soon had the 10/11 favourite into the lead from stall three and the pair dictated the fractions.

They were tracked throughout by Laelaps and Shane Foley who then pressed them a furlong out.

The leader wasn't for passing, though, and kept up the gallop to score by half a length for Aidan O'Brien. Runner-up Laelaps was a 9/1 chance.

Seamie Heffernan said: "He had a nice first run, I liked him and I thought if I got to make the running he'd win. He is still a little bit green and he is a nice colt with a nice pedigree.

"Aidan doesn't mind running a good horse down here and I have to compliment the staff on the ground; it is level, hasn't been touched and is very safe."

Matchless is a full brother to the progressive Delphi who has won four in a row this season culminating in a Group 3 success at the Curragh last month.

Matchless finished fourth over an extended seven at Tipperary last week.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes