Long-time maiden The Gradual Slope finally got his head in front when running out an easy winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Rated 108, after 11 runs over flights, the Sean O'Brien trained gelding had some solid handicap form but was beginning to cut a frustrating figure before now.

Dropping back in distance certainly proved the right decision, as the grey was always travelling well just behind the leaders.

From 3 out, it developed into a match between himself and eventual runner-up Scenic Look On the run to the final flight it was still all to play for but the older horse just pulled out that bit more and galloped right away to win decisively in the finish.

Winning jockey Mark McDonagh, “He’s been running over longer trips so we were happy enough to take it up early.

“He’s a tricky horse and it takes a lot to train a horse like that. He stayed at it well and deserved that win.

“Sean has done a fantastic job and his horses are in great form. He puts a lot of time and effort into them and deserves all the rewards.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.