Plouios off the mark over timber in Kilbeggan opener

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Plouios justified his short price in the opener at Kilbeggan when running out a convincing winner of the Midland Veterinary Maiden Hurdle.

Mark Walsh tracked the leaders on the 9/10 favourite before hitting the front running down the hill.

The Milan gelding, owned by JP McManus, was in command going to the last and galloped on strongly to record an eight-length win over Maple Lawn

Plouios had unseated his rider at the last last time at Wexford having been heading approaching the final flight.

“It was a similar race to Wexford were he was going to get beat and finish second or third. It's nice to come here and win with him,” said racing manager Frank Berry.

“He might struggle over hurdles and will probably go chasing sooner rather than later. That ground suited him.”