Stocktons takes Down Royal opener

The J.P. McManus owned Stocktons Wing readily justified 5/4 favouritism to win the opening Eventsec 3-Y-O Hurdle at Down Royal today, scoring for trainer Charles O'Brien and jockey Mark Walsh.

Walsh moved the son of Jeremy to the front before the final flight and from there stayed on well, to easily account for Everything Zain (runner-up now in seven of his last eight starts).

Afterwards O'Brien stated “he did it nicely and loves the jumping. The ground today wasn't an issue as he went through pretty bad ground during the summer.

“We'll take baby steps with him – there's a couple of winners' hurdle races before Leopardstown at Christmas for him.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham