The first race of the 2012 season at Kilbeggan, the Kilbeggan Maiden Hurdle, went to the odds-on 8/11 favourite Cause Of Causes who is a half-brother to 2003 Epsom Derby hero Kris Kin.

Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Condon, the 4yo son of Dynaformer was having his fourth start over hurdles today.

He fell at the last when he looked likely to be placed on his Irish debut at Gowran in February before finishing second behind Maggie Neary at the same venue in March.

He was sent off the 2/9 favourite on his third start at Downpatrick but was disappointingly beaten into second by Brecan Boy.

Having raced prominently throughout he hit the front before the third last and kept on well under pressure to just beat White Feathers by a head at the line.

The runner-up who is trained by Garrett Power and was ridden by Declan Bates was returned the 4/1 second favourite while Westhaven was a further eight and a half lengths back in third at 9/2 (backed from 7/1 this morning) for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry.

The winner was previously trained in France by Pascal Bary where he won on his debut on the level before finishing sixth on his next start at Longchamp.

He was then bought for €52,000 at the Arqana Deauville Autumn Mixed Sale in November of last year.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "He was unlucky to be still a maiden.

"Davy said he wasn't doing a whole lot in front and he just idled a bit and was looking for company.

"He will go for a winners race now before we send him handicapping.”

The winning owners, the Timeform, Betfair Racing Club, are made up of customers of the two companies.

They have had success in the UK before but this was their first winner in Ireland.

Donal Murphy & Alan Magee