The Declan McNamara trained Artical Eleven justified strong late support (9/2 - 3/1) to win the opening Welcome To Wexford Racecourse Maiden Hurdle at Wexford today, scoring under capable amateur jockey Johnny Barry.

The race was confined to horses which had not been placed first, second or third in three or more career races under National Hunt rules and so, 90 rated Artical Eleven came into the race the form horse being the only previous winner, having won his point to point at Inchydoney in May 2016.

The son of Definite Article took the lead with a circuit to race and while he tired in the closings stages, held on grimly under a determined drive for a two and a quarter lengths win over Bold Sky

Co Clare based trainer McNamara was on lead-up duties but afterwards delighted winning owner Phil Callaghan, from Bunratty, Co Clare, revealed homecoming plans, saying “it took us three hours to get here and we'll be celebrating in Durty Nelly's (famous Bunratty bar) tonight!"

He added "he had previously won a point-to-point and he might go for a beginners chase next."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy