Laid Back Luke got his career under rules off to the best possible start by routing his eight rivals in the bumper at Thurles.

The seven-year-old gelding had shown some promise despite failing to complete in three point-to-point outings this winter, and certainly didn’t go unsupported in the market.

Early quotes of 33/1 this morning were soon snapped up, and Jamie Codd elected to set the pace on the 12/1 chance.

The son of Quws drew clear early in the straight, and kept on strongly to beat Ballybryan by 17 lengths. Gala Ball was a further length and a half back in third.

Winning trainer Sheila Lavery said, "He has missed out on the winners' enclosure twice as he should have been at least placed on his debut in a point to point and then definitely should have won on his second run when his jockey went the wrong side of a bollard in the closing stages.

"Neighbours of mine had him when he won a schooling bumper on the bridle at Fairyhouse and when I saw that, persuaded them to put him into training for a bumper. He is now for sale."

(TW & AM)