Mo shows heart in Bellewstown opener

Mohart made the breakthrough in first time cheekpieces, as he took the opener at Bellewstown, the Lougher Stables Maiden Hurdle.

Tried in handicap company on his last three starts, the James Dullea trained gelding was seventh to Cantkidakidder on his most recent outing at Tramore.

Sent off a 4/1 joint-favourite today, the Fruits Of Love gelding raced in mid-division under Jack Kennedy, taking closer order from four out.

He hit the front at the next, and kept on well from there to see off the challenge of Deburrafield by three parts of a length.

The runner-up was returned at 6/1 under Brien Kane for Gavin Cromwell, while Whiskeys Brother (14/1) was another seven lengths back in third. Sir Tivo was the other joint-favourite, and he finished a disappointing fifth.

"I thought he would have won his hurdle before now," Dullea said of the Catriona O'Donovan owned victor.

"I suppose we're learning about him. That's probably a bit short for him but it was a lesser race.

"Up in trip we'll probably look for another handicap for him and he'll jump a fence in time.

"It's fantastic to come all the way up here (from Bandon, Co.Cork) and get a winner. It makes the journey home shorter.

"He'll go until the ground softens and then he'll get a break.

"I'm delighted for the owners, they are great supporters of mine, and we've been a while waiting for this fella. Hopefully things might come together for him now."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson