Qubuh takes Listowel opener

The Dermot Weld-trained Qubuh ran straight and true to get off the mark in the opening maiden at Listowel. Mykonos led the field in the seven-furlong contest and kept on well for pressure down the straight only to veer right over a furlong from home.

Qubuh made the most of the drama, hitting the front under Pat Smullen and keeping on well in the closing stages to record a three-parts victory over that rival.

4/7f Exodus proved a major disappointment, coming under pressure some way from home, and finishing a well beaten fifth.

"He improved a good bit from the run at the Curragh and we though he was capable of winning a maiden of this standard," said Smullen afterwards of the winner.

"He was possibly a bit fortunate with the favourite underperforming and the runner-up ducking about but it was our day today."