Oscar Vespasian fifth in a handicap over course and distance on Friday, opened his account when delivered with a well-timed challenge by Johnny Burke in the Frank Gillane Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.

Paul Townend made it a good test sending the 5/6 favourite Alileo straight into a clear lead.

However a number of sloppy jumps didn’t help his cause and, following an awkward leap two out, Oscar Vespasian struck the front approaching the final flight.

The 9/2 chance kept on well on the run-in to score by two lengths as the pair drew all of 22 lengths clear of B L Swagger in third.

Winning trainer John Queally said, “He finally got his head in front and I've no big plans for him. It's nice to have a winner at the local track. He will go for a handicap somewhere now.

“He needs the ground quick and it took us a while to find that out. Jonathan is good value for his five pound claim.”

(AM & DM)