Abbey Lane who was having his first run for handler Gordon Elliott made it a winning start when taking the opening Goresbridge Maiden Hurdle in good style under Paul Carberry.

Carberry came with his challenge entering the straight and the pair were on terms with 8/11 favourite Spainish Auriga approaching the last.

The pair soon forged clear on the run-in to score by a comfortable three lengths.

Winning trainer Elliott said afterwards: “That was his first run for me, he won a point to point for Philip Dempsey.”

“I think the bit of good ground helped him and we’ll keep him going throughout the Summer.”