The John McConnell-trained Itsalonglongroad just held on to claim victory in the opener at Tramore this afternoon.

Mark Bolger bounced out in front on the Lawman gelding and he soon built up a healthy lead in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

The 5/1 shot came back to the field after a slight mistake at the second last and was soon pressed by Freedom Chimes who was also clumsy at the penultimate flight.

That rival cried enough on the run-in but Sometimes A Fox flew home and just failed by a short-head to grab the front-runner at the post.

Mark Bolger said afterwards:- "It was the plan to make all. He raced very free in Down Royal, and he has been a keen horse at home. We say we'd put the hood on him today and make the running, thankfully it has worked out."

Mark Kavanagh, of the Rockview Racing Club, added:- "He was unlucky the last time at Down Royal, he was in the lead and fell at the second last when travelling like that.

“He is a fun horse and will mix it through the summer between hurdles and the Flat. He doesn't mind the ground and it's nice to get the win today."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)