Donagh Meyler was niggling at favourite Oighear Dubh (translates across to English as Black Ice) from a fair way out in the opening Kilbeggan Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. The Kilkenny jockey had a willing partner in the Verglas grey though, and Tony Martin's charge came out on top by two and a half lengths.

Oighear Dubh (7/2 into 2/1) saw it out better than the sweet-travelling Antiphony to get the upper hand from the last. Russellstown gave it a good go from up on the pace, and he ended up three and a quarter lengths off them in third. Seaboard (6s into 3s) finished sixth.

"It was a good ride by Donagh and himself and young (Jack) Kennedy are two good up and coming jockeys at the moment," said Martin.

"He gave him a chance to find his feet as he was not really travelling or acting around here. He will mix it between the Flat and hurdles."

A. Ring, rider of Hunters Vision trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having stopped quickly.

(AM & EM)