Western Comandor opened his account at the seventh attempt when keeping on in gutsy fashion to land the opening Bluegrasshorsefeed.com Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

The John Ryan-trained gelding, narrowly denied twice in bumpers and also placed over hurdles last year, was reappearing after a four-month winter break and the 12/1 shot struck the front two out.

Liam Quinlan ’s mount had to dig deep on the run-in to hold off the renewed challenge of the well-backed Flamborough by half-a-length.

The 5/2 favourite Canal End also kept on really well on the run-in to finish just a length further back in third.

Ryan said: "He looked like a real bumper horse and, in fairness, I have to thank Fethard Equine Hospital as they did a little palate job on him. They did a great job on him.

"He was always a classy horse. Hunt Ball is a brother to his dam (Western Rose), so he is a well-bred horse.

"He could be a nice little novice hurdler now, he's a novice until next November anyway at least. We'll have a bit of fun with this lad.

"He would (prefer going the other way around) - the Kerry tracks are left-handed!"

Quotes by Michael Graham