Venezia made a winning start for trainer Edward O'Grady when opening his jumping account in the Gain Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Andrew Lynch tracked the leaders before producing the 6/1 shot to challenge three from home in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

He got the better of Black Key over the last couple of flights, going away on the run-in to record a five-and-a-half success.

The winner had been successful twice on the level for Michael Halford.

"Perhaps the step up in trip helped him, and the ground didn't inconvenience him. It probably inconvenienced some of the others,” said O'Grady.

"He's a nice horse and is very effective on fast ground. Hopefully he can win another, and I'd imagine he will be campaigned over the summer."

(Gary Carson & Alan Magee)