Poker D'ainay gained a deserved success with a front-running win in the Audi Wexford Maiden Hurdle at the south-east venue tonight.

Paul Townend bounced out in front on the 5/4 shot and he made every post a winning one.

The favourite had his rivals on the stretch turning in and despite making a mistake at the last he never looked in danger as he went on to record a five-and-a-half length win over Guttural

Willie Mullins' charge was not winning out of turn having been placed on his three previous runs.

Townend said:- “I was surprised in the manner that he won as he was becoming a bit of a bridesmaid. It’s great for him and the owners have a day out with him.

“They persevered with him and it’s nice to get rewarded.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)