Walk With Paul a poignant winner for Brassil

Those who backed 11/10 favourite Walk With Paul were on good terms with themselves after she sauntered home in the Limerick Opportunity (Mares) Maiden Hurdle.

She made all and increased her lead to a yawning chasm after three out as the field toiled in behind.

The seven-year-old cruised into the home straight and popped the last two flights to win very easily by 12 lengths for father and son Martin and Conor Brassil. Roccos Inspiration took a remote second at 5/1 and was 15 lengths clear of Cool Legacy (50/1).

Trainer Brassil said: "She seems to be a nice mare and a good friend of mine John Hassett (who passed away last January) had her and she came to me like in show-room material.

"She didn't run as John wasn't well and he brought her to a stage, before going into hospital. It has stood to her as she has a bit of age and is a fine strong mare. I didn't have to do much with her, only get her fit and she knew how to jump when I got her."

He added: "I ran her over 2m4f the last day but should have stuck to two-miles. She was very keen and while she arrived with her chance going to the last, emptied out. The form worked out and we said we'd go back to two.

"She is very well bred, we'll look for a novice now and if it has black-type, well and good but I'd be inclined to stick to two-miles and see how we go. She might also settle better in better company and is one to look forward to."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes