Simiel kept up the good record enjoyed by front-runners at Clonmel this evening when opening his account in the New Inn Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. Wakea and Whizzzey Rascal made all in the opening two races, and Simiel struck a further blow when making virtually all under Conor Brassil.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding shrugged off the challenge of 6/4 favourite Udogo before the last, and was driven out to hold Double Windsor on the run-in.

Brassil’s mount scored by one and a half lengths, while Udogo could find no extra another four lengths back in third.

The well-backed 3/1 winner was available at 13/2 earlier in the day, and further supported on track from 9/2.

De Bromhead said, "He had some good bumper form but then disappointed a few times and was very disappointing over fences.

"He seems to struggle a bit with his jumping but a few of the jockeys that have ridden him have said that the tight tracks like Tramore or Downpatrick don't suit him so we might try him over fences again on a more galloping track.

"Dylan (Robinson) was due to ride but unfortunately is hurt and that was Conor's first ride for me. He gave the horse a great ride."

The winning Mainlymedics Syndicate includes Turf Club doctor Cormac Egan, who is on duty at the meeting.

(TW & AM)