Easy Fella impresses on De Bromhead debut

Easy Fella made an instant impression on his debut for trainer Henry De Bromhead when easily winning the Horse & Jockey Hotel Rated Novice Hurdle at Thurles.

The six-year-old, who had been successful for Ray Cody at Punchestown on his penultimate start, showed plenty of stamina here to see off a host of lesser exposed rivals.

Despite being the highest rated horse on official rating, the Yeats gelding was sent off a 4-1 third favourite in what had appeared quite a competitive affair.

Always travelling strongly under Rachael Blackmore, Easy Fella moved in pursuit of leader The Dabbler after the third last, going on just before entering the straight. Mint Boy emerged as the main threat on the run to the last but Easy Fella found plenty for pressure, staying on strongly to give both trainer and jockey a double on the card.

Henry De Bromhead said: "He stays well and is a really nice horse. He jumps well despite making a few little mistakes down the back straight but we can work on that.

"He really galloped all the way to the line and anything over hurdles is a bonus as with the size and scope of him, he looks like a chaser all over.

"Dermot (Cunningham) and the lads sent him in to us and I'm delighted for them."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.