Balloo takes the opener for Walsh & McBratney

The opening race at Down Royal this afternoon, the Dark Horse Cafe & Wine Bar Maiden Hurdle, saw Ruby Walsh record his first winner of the new National Hunt season as he partnered the 10/11 favourite Back to Balloo to victory for trainer Colin McBratney.

Having finished third twice and second on his last three starts the 6yo son of Jimble was well fancied to oblige today and he didn’t disappoint, out battling Johannisberger (6/1) after the last, winning by three parts of a length at the line.

Flamingo Domingo, in the colours of Flemenstar, finished a further six lengths back in third under Andrew Lynch for Peter Casey at the odds of 7/1.

Winning trainer Colin McBratney said afterwards: "He did it nicely and he settled better today. He is catching on to the game.

"We will keep him going now on good ground for the summer, that’s if we get a summer! He’ll jump a fence in time.

"Five people make up the winning Back To Balloo Syndicate and they are from Killinchy in Co Down. Brothers Alan & Bill Dunlop bred the horse and they are part of the syndicate. Alan is a vet."

Donal Murphy & Michael Graham