Eclat Des Mottes made a bright start to his career in Ireland with a comfortable victory in the extended two mile five maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

The French import, by Poliglote, tracked Turbo in second and closed after the third-last.

He took over approaching the last and outgunned Present In Court up the hill by three and a quarter lengths for Willie Mullins.

The winner was a well backed 4/7 favourite from 8/11 while the runner-up went off at 11/4.

Ruby Walsh, in the Ricci colours, said: "He did it well and liked that nice ground."