Senecia wins opener at damp Wexford

Senecia (4/1) was a very convincing winner of the Neville Hotels Maiden Hurdle under Danny Mullins.

Runner-up on Rules debut at Limerick, the gelded son of Ask was waited with in mid-division before making smooth headway on the approach to the straight. He led before two out and readily went clear to beat Diamondinthemud and 9/4 favourite Secret She Keeps by eight and a half lengths and eight lengths.

Winning trainer Vincent Halley said: "I'm delighted with that. I was concerned after all of the rain because I think he is a better horse on good ground, I was just hoping that his ability would pull him through and we didn't need to worry in the end.

"We like him a lot and he had a nice run in Limerick where he probably learned plenty. Danny thought that he probably learned a lot today as well. For a big horse he has a turn of foot and he is a nice horse to look forward to.

"I think two-and-a-half miles is enough for him at the minute but at the same time I wouldn't have any problem going back to two. I'd be happy enough with two miles to two-and-a-half for him. With a bit more experience over hurdles we will be looking at nicer races. It's still early days but he was impressive.

"He likes a little gap between races. I don't think he is a horse that you would be bouncing out again quick. We will look for a novice hurdle somewhere.

"I've seven in for the track, they are mainly jumpers but I have one for the Flat too."

Quotes from Donal Murphy