28/1 shot Doctor Churchill made a winning start for Paddy Hayes when running out a convincing winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Naas.

Cian Cullinan ’s mount was in front when the field emerged from the gloom three from home in driving snow.

He went clear over the second last and kept on strongly in the closing stages to record an eight length success over 3/1 favourite Krabat

The winner had been off the track for 541 days and winning rider Cullinan said:- “Paddy wanted me to be fairly handy, but he missed the break a little bit.

“He’s a horse as long as he’s travelling, you’re going to be happy. He jumped from hurdle to hurdle.

“He took me into the race where I wanted him to be. I thought I was getting there too soon but I had to trust him, and I knew he’d stay all day.

“Going to the second last I had a quick peep behind me and as long as I stayed on my feet, I knew I was home.

“He’s off the track 17 months so he’s only going to progress from it. He’s a happy horse and a different horse from when I knew him.

“That’s Paddy’s first winner in a while (since November 2021) and it’s nice to get one for him.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)