The John Joe Walsh trained Silver Friend maintained his 100% record at Fairyhouse today, when making a winning debut in the Easter Festival Maiden Hurdle, under Eddie Power.

The son of Silver Patriarch, who landed a gamble to win on his debut in a Cork bumper in December, raced prominently throughout and, once he hit the front before the final flight, stayed on well for a nine lengths win.

Walsh subsequently stated “he's a promising horse but I was 'shaky' about his jumping coming here. He schooled great at home but jumping well here, in this heavy ground, is different.”

He added “we'll aim him at a winners' race next; he's a great mover and would probably prefer better ground though.”