Stynes eases to victory under Bolger

Stynes got off the mark on his fifth start over flights as he ran out an easy winner of the Laganore Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Mark Bolger for John McConnell and owners the Rockview Racing Club.

The son of Aussie Rules finished third to Taglietelle on his last start over flights at Perth and he finished a close up fourth on his next start on the level at Clonmel.

He disappointed last time out again on the level at the Curragh and he was sent off the third choice of punters here at 10/3.

Settled just behind the leader in second he improved to front after the fifth last and soon went on.

He travelled strongly into the straight and he kept up the gallop away from the second last, going on to score easily by seven lengths. Collen Beag was sent off the 9/10 favourite but she was far from fluent in her jumping and finished a disappointing second under Jonathan Burke for David O’Brien.

Mark Bolger said afterwards: "The race cut up but even before with the eight I fancied him to go close. They went very slow so halfway down the back I injected some pace and he put the race to bed.

"He's got rid of his maiden now and hopefully he can progress from this."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson