Monasteradenpauric landed some nice bets as he took the opener at Killarney this evening, the Killarney Vintners Maiden Hurdle.

The John Joe Walsh trained gelding was available at 20/1 this morning but he was nibbled at throughout the day and went off a 12/1 chance under Brian O'Connell.

Settled in mid-division he was sixth as the rounded the bottom bend for the final time. He was ridden after three out and he came through to lead at the last, keeping on well from there to score by two and a quarter lengths. Exxaro who was backed from 11/2 to 9/2 on-course, finished second under Jonathan Burke for Henry De Bromhead while Macs Legend (25/1) ran a big race to finish third, a further length and a half back under Andrew Lynch for Mary Louise Hallahan.

The JP McManus duo of Badgefort (3/1 into 2/1fav) and Chamonix (5/2) headed the betting but both disappointed, finishing fifth and last respectively.

John Joe Walsh said afterwards: "We thought he wanted much softer ground and his owner (Pauric O'Dowd, from Monasteraden, Co Sligo) isn't even here!

"It's amazing how much it dried out since this morning but he jumped well and stayed on well.

"It's great he won and Brian (O'Connell) gave him a super ride and has been very lucky for us."

STEWARDS REPORTS

D.N. Russell, rider of Theatrical Rock trained by Robert Tyner, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount needs softer going.

J.P. O'Brien, rider of Chamonix, trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount jumped carefully throughout.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Chamonix, trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have lost its off fore shoe in-running but was otherwise post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes