Verawal cruises home in opener

Verawal made an impressive debut over jumps when running out an easy winner of the opening Molson Coors 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

Paul Townend always oozed confidence on the Sinndar gelding as he tracked fellow 5/4 joint-favourite Cabarete in the two-mile contest.

Townend was looking around for non-existent dangers after easing into the lead after the third last.

Willie Mullins' charge was asked to assert after the penultimate flight and could afford to cruise home on the run-in for a 12-length success.

The former Aga Khan-owned winner had hinted at some ability in three outings as a two-year-old last season but was showing significant improvement switched to timber.

"He did it nicely and always travelled well. They went a nice even gallop and everything worked out for him,” said Townend.

“He jumped well for his first time over hurdles. The ground is on the quick side of good. He could step up in trip next year."

The winner had been well backed, having traded as big as 5/2 this morning, while the runner-up was easy to back having been as short as 4/6 before racing.

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)