Sayce Gold opened her account over timber with the minimum of fuss at Thurles this afternoon when cruising to an impressive victory in the mares maiden hurdle.

Mick Winters' charge won a point-to-point last season and was most recently the easy winner of a Fairyhouse bumper nine days ago.

The daughter of Gold Well, carrying the famous Trevor Hemmings colours, jumped up to lead at the first in today's event over almost two-miles-and-seven.

She made the best of her way home after and had her rivals struggling over the second last.

Brian Hayes didn't need to move a muscle as the 2/1 shot (as short as evens this morning) stretched clear before the last and went on to post a eight-length winning margin over Miss Pernickety

"She is fierce fast to jump and is a chaser in the making,” said Winters.

"I had cold feet coming up to the race and I rang Damian Murphy (handler) because he had our mare and De Bromhead's (Sovereign Gold) in point to points.

“He said the other mare has more stamina and that the 8lbs (weight concession) might make the difference.

"We'd love to go chasing with her but Brian was saying we'd nearly have to give her a shot at a novice hurdle now. Before today I was heading for a beginners chase but we'll have to see now. I'll have to look and see what's coming up.

"I'm delighted for Brian as he is riding with confidence and is such a great worker."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)