Dermot 'Red' McLoughlin's Vics Canvas gained reward for his consistency showing a good attitude to land the opening Friends Of Liam Horan Maiden Hurdle at Limerick under Conor Maxwell.

Supporters of the 9/10 favourite had a few anxious moments but staying was the name of the game here and the Old Vic gelding came through strongly on the run-in to prevail snugly at the line.

McLoughlin said: "I knew he'd stay well because he's an out and out stayer. He was entitled to win that and his form is rock solid. He stays and jumps well.

"He doesn't jump those easy-fix hurdles as well as he jumps the normal ones.

"It was Conor's first winner back from injury."