Shane Butler who was out with of action for several months with a shoulder injury made a welcome return to winner’s enclosure when Echua ran out a eight length win of the [email protected] Maiden Hurdle.

Butler produced the 9/4 shot to lead at the second last and the pair soon sprinted clear for a comfortable win over Flying Ensign

The 2/1 favourite Common Alliance was pulled up after the last where he made a mistake.

A delighted Fahey said afterwards: “I suppose we’ll have to think about Galway now after that performance. It was probably a moderate enough contest.”

“I don’t know whether to go back over hurdles or run him on the flat we will have to think about it and see.”

“It’s great for Shane [Butler], it’s his first winner back since his injury he was out for eight or nine months.”