The Kilcawley Construction Maiden Hurdle went to Nero Rock in the hands of Donie McInerney.

Getting a handy weight allowance from his main market rivals, the Mouse Morris-trained Shirocco gelding went on after the second-last flight and kept on well for a seven length victory over Rian Thomas The 7/4 favourite Bal De Rio was another two and a quarter lengths away in third.

Placed a couple of times last year, the winner was opening his account on his ninth start over hurdles and showed the benefit of a recent run at Cork where he had finished fifth.

The winning rider McInerney said afterwards: “The main thing was to get him settled and switched off and it worked out grand.

"A few of the boys went quick in front and I was able to just lob away. I knew we were going a shade fast so I was happy enough where I was.

"In fairness when something came to me going to the third last, he kind of picked up. I lay up again so I knew he’d plenty left and when a gap opened up at the second last I sent him on about his business.

"He was good. I’d say he’d stay a bit further, on that type of ground anyway.