Trainer Dessie Hughes landed a 1-2 in the opening Annual Membership at Naas Maiden Hurdle at Naas today, when well backed White Star Line (5/4f) defeated stablemate Dun Masc

White Star Line, under Bryan Cooper, travelled well in the straight but took time to shake off the challenge of Dun Masc on the run-in, for a neck win.

Afterwards Hughes stated “I’m delighted with both horses. It’s was probably about time White Star Line won but in fairness to him he came up against a couple of good horses. He didn’t do a stroke when he hot the front today”

Regarding runner-up Dun Masc, Hughes added “he’s very consistent and his only poor run was the last day when he fractured a bone in his hind leg. I’m very pleased with him today.”

Thomas Weekes