Out Of The Loop proved too strong for hotpot Sympa Des Flos in the opening maiden hurdle at Downpatrick this afternoon.

Willie Mullins' French import was sent off an 8/13 shot for his Irish debut and was sent straight into the lead by Ruby Walsh.

The odds-on favourite disputed with Statistical from four out but having gotten the better of that rival two from home he was claimed by Out Of The Loop before the final flight.

Christy Roche 's charge, under Mark Walsh, kept on strongly in the closing stages to score by five lengths at odds of 7/1.

The JP McManus-owned gelding had been third to Slippery Serpent over course and distance last month.

Mark Walsh said afterwards:- "He has improved from his last run. I don't know how good a race it was but they went a good gallop and it suited him.

"He jumped great and I got there easily at the second last and he just went about his business.

"I thought it was yielding to soft (ground) on him. It is slower than what they are calling it but it's lovely."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)