Rips Dream a poignant winner in Wexford

Rips Dream s stamina came into play as he made a winning debut over jumps in the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Wexford.

Katie O'Farrell 's mount moved into a threatening position behind front-running Zayriyan after the second last.

The petrol gauge began to flash on Zayriyan (4/1) after the final flight and Rips Dream soon powered past him to win going away by two and a quarter lengths at 7/1. Moment In History was a length and a quarter away in third at 7/2.

Trainer Pat Flynn said: "He is a lovely horse and we always thought on the Flat his bravery wasn't the best, but we think hurdles will toughen him up.

"He's not finished yet on the flat but the hurdles will put a bit of bravery into him. We were hoping for the best today as he had been jumping well at home and he is a lovely big horse.

"It is sad his owner Bill Foley passed away earlier in the year; he was an absolute gentleman and he would have been thrilled. His niece Annette O'Connor and nephew are carrying on with the horse now so it's great."

Rips Dream's career on the Flat saw him win a couple of mile and a half handicaps at Dundalk.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes