The seven day Listowel Festival got off to a promising start on the betting front, with the Tote aggregate well up on the corresponding day last year and the bookmakers turnover almost on a par.

The attendance for the opening day of the premier Kerry Festival was 3514, 170 down on last years figure of 3684.

The Tote aggregate of €139,090.59 compares well with last year's tally of €100,559.44, while the betting ring total of €307,118 was marginally down on the €314,944 of 12 months ago.

There were 66 bookmakers on track as against 55 last year, although that figure is certainly influenced by the fact that the Curragh clashed with this meeting last year.

The opening 3yo hurdle was the biggest betting race of the day in the ring with €50,435 wagered, just ahead of the second race in which Rattan justified 4/9 favouritism to provide Ruby Walsh with a winning return from injury.