Nickname makes winning start over timber

Nickname Exit justified his short price when running out a convincing winner of the Goatenbridge Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Gigginstown gelding, trainer by Willie Mullins, was a well-supported 8/11 favourite in the two-mile contest having been 5/4 this morning.

Ruby Walsh tracked the leaders but was niggling along on his mount before the turn. The French-bred stayed on to lead at the second last, however, and was pulling away on the run-in for a three-and-three-quarter length win.

The five-year-old was making his debut over timber having been placed in two bumpers and also narrowly denied in a point-to-point last year.

Willie Mullins didn't make it in time to see his charge and Walsh commented:- "He jumped very well and that made the difference."

Mullins said after his bumper winner later on the card:-

"He is a jumper and can go out in trip. If the ground permits, he could go chasing straight away in the new season in May."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)