Ballyoisin impressive in opener

Ballyoisin justified his short price when running out an impressive winner of the opening Troytown Bar Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

The Enda Bolger-trained gelding was a warm order for the two-mile contest and was sent off 4/6 favourite having been 5/4 this morning.

Barry Geraghty 's mount raced keenly in the early stages and soon chased leader Mist Of Gold He jumped into the lead four from home and stretched clear of his rivals after the next.

The JP McManus-owned son of Presenting galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post an effortless 11-length victory. Mighty Concorde came through to claim the runner-up spot.

The winner had been third on his hurdling debut at Punchestown in May having won a point-to-point previously in March.

"That was a nice performance especially for a four-year-old," said Bolger.

"He was very impressive in his point-to-point, and Derek O'Connor was singing his praises.

"He was a bit keen and hopefully he'll learn to settle a bit more. The ground could be important to him, and it's possible he could be more of a spring horse."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)