Gladiatorial and McGarvey boss the Downpatrick opener

Gladiatorial (7/2 2nd favourite) was excellent from the front in the Molson Coors Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.

Jody McGarvey looked happy from some way out aboard Noel Kelly’s 108-rated performer, and he certainly wouldn’t have been disappointed with what the Fame And Glory gelding produced from the last.

Owned by William Brown, the six-year-old scampered away up the run-in to defeat Leac An Scail Lady by eight lengths.

Market-leader Rocky’s Howya had to make do with fourth place.

"He's not the easiest ride, he likes to bowl along. That was the plan as there is no point in getting into a fight with him. I was able to dictate it my own way in front,” said McGarvey.

"He jumps and travels super and I was able to get a breather into him wherever I wanted and I just let him rock and roll down the hill. He went down and jumped the last well and nothing could get to him.

"The jump at the last sealed the deal because he came down the hill so well and winged the last and made lengths. It was hard for the other horses to get on terms with him.

"They were confident as he had good form in the book coming here. It was a poor race on paper, so he was entitled to do what he did."

(MG & EM)