Jordan Gainford with Pat Nolan © Photo Healy Racing
Having shown some promise when fifth on his racecourse debut at Downpatrick last month, the Colin Bowe trained Vaureal appreciated dropping back two furlongs when opening his account in the Railway Bar Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon.
Pulled up on his only point-to-point start, the five-year-old finished mid division on his rules debut, so wouldn't have been one of the stronger fancies here as his starting price of 25/1 implies.
Pushed along in fifth before the turn for home, as favourite Downtherefordancin came through to dispute with long time leader Jeu De Pic it was all change at the third last as the market leader departed. Maroto threw down a strong challenge to Jeu De Pic after two out, leading between the final two flights.
However, having jumped the last in third, Vaureal kept on strongly under Jordan Gainford to lead on the run-in to win by three-and-a-half lengths from the staying on Irina's Path
Jordan Gainford: “He’s a big baby and is learning on the job the whole time. In Downpatrick it just happened too quick for him.
“I was happy with the position I was in and got a lovely lead the whole way to the last. He stays well.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
