The opening race at Downpatrick, the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle boiled down to a match between the dominant pair in the market, Royal Captain and Rasco (Leslie Young and Robbie Moran), from the third last hurdle. Ultimately it was the latter that proved victorious.

Royal Captain, representing the big name triumvirate of Diana Whateley, Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell was getting the worst of the argument when blundering at the last.

The Presenting youngster did rally when coming to the stand's side rail, up the hill to the finish though, and probably for a stride or two some odds-on backers would have thought they were 'in business.'

However, after looking vulnerable, Rasco (9/4) pulled out more when it was required to ward off the danger by a length, and they left Mighty Leader all of thirty one lengths behind in third.

Robbie Moran said afterwards: "He's only a baby and he'll learn an awful lot today. He pricked his ears in front but when the other one came to him he went on again.

"In a better class race he'll be able to take a lead."

Meanwhile, Brendan Flynn, owner of the victorious Oscar four-year-old, stated: "Leslie (Young, trainer, first winner on the racecourse since October 2009) is at a funeral and couldn't make it. I'm based in Sligo and I am in the coffee business there.

"This fella's first run at Cork was brilliant (4th in a maiden hurdle). His jumping today was brilliant and he pricked his ears coming round the bend having enjoyed the track.

"I only got here with five minutes to spare from Sligo – it took me three hours forty. That's my only horse with Leslie and I have a few with Mark McNiff."

The Stewards interviewed R.M. Moran, rider of Rasco, winner, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion RM Moran was in breach of Regulation 10 in that he had used his whip with excessive force and frequency, used it in the forehand position in front of the saddle and failed to give his mount time to respond, and having taken his record in this regard into account, they suspended him for 4 racedays.

(MG & EM)