Espoir D'allen was the impressive winner of the Grade Three Irish Independent Hurdle at Limerick.

The 7/2 chance tracked front-running 4/6 favourite Stormy Ireland throughout and swept by her coming to the final flight of this two mile contest.

He powered away on the run-in for Jody McGarvey to put eight lengths on the 'jolly'.

Trainer Gavin Cromwell said: "He was in the big one at Leopardstown so I decided to come here thinking it was the easier option but it was actually a very good race.

"For 50 or 100 yards it looked like he was in was in a small bit of bother but when he got going then he was good. He jumped the last well and went to the line well. He certainly seems to be growing up.

"I really don't know about (running in the Champion Hurdle) as he is only a four year old and I don't know where we'll go next. I'll chat to the lads (owner) but I wouldn't be in a hurry with him as next year will be his year." Farclas fell at the third flight and jockey Jamie Codd was accompanied to hospital by one of the racecourse doctors where he is undergoing x-rays on his ribs.

A 15-minute delay was announced for the subsequent races on the card.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes