Chip cruises home in Kilbeggan opener

Chip Tea proved an easy winner of the opening maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan when scoring in fine style under Paul Carberry.

The Noel Meade-trained gelding took it up from 4/5 favourite Huckle Buck Shoe two from home and went on for a cosy four-length success.

"We've always thought the world of him but he's been a very unlucky horse," said Meade.

"In his first two bumpers he ran away. I thought he was my best bet of the week at Galway. The soft ground probably didn't suit him there either.

"He has a lot of speed and jumps well. I think he is a bit above average and he'll go for a novice hurdle next."