The Gordon Elliott trained Cabernet Sauvignon justified favouritism when running out a convincing winner of the opening Connaught Telegraph Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe this evening.

Barry Geraghty who was never too far off the pace produced the 2/1 favourite to lead entering the straight and kept on well on the run-in to post a three length win.

Winning trainer Elliott said afterwards: “He deserved to put his head in front, he is a bit of a tricky customer.”

“We took the white noseband off him today to try something different.”

“The good ground and the sharp track really suited him. We might bring him back to Perth for something similar.”