Eoin Griffin enjoyed a welcome change of fortune when saddling 5/2 joint favourite St Devote to land the opening Special Olympics Maiden Hurdle at Limerick, his first success in nearly six months.

“Someone should really point me in the right direction to find the winners enclosure!” quipped Griffin after the Paul Townend-ridden gelding landed in front at the penultimate flight before going clear to beat John The Soldier by five and a half lengths. The front-running Taralga was a further two lengths back in third.

“We had a terrible season last year but since the ground has improved they have picked up a bit. Hopefully that is a sign of things to come. This horse was very weak and needed the break (off the course since last November).”

“He'll be entered in the handicap hurdle at Killarney on Sunday but I'd be mindful of him needing some time between races. We'll see how he is in the meantime. He's still a bit keen and a bit babyish, but when he learns to settle he'll be grand.”