"He was off colour for a long time and hadn't thrived. We have waited a long time for that but I knew he was in much better form coming here today," disclosed winning trainer Sean Byrne after Billbushay ran away with the Jumps Returns To Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle under Kevin Sexton.

There was to be no catching Billbushay (16s into 12s) once he took over from the front-running Sizing Silver at the second last.

The Westerner gelding crossed the line with no less than twelve lengths to spare over the favourite, Indian Court

"The one thing I was a bit worried about was the ground being a bit dry for him. Hopefully he can go on from here," further explained Byrne.

Billbushay is owned and was bred by Byrne's wife Brenda.

B.M. Cash, rider of Mr Bien trained by Thomas O'Neill, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

(AM & EM)