Hardin gets off the mark over flights

Wes Hardin got off the mark on his second start over flights as he took the opener at Listowel, the John B. Keane Maiden Hurdle.

The Noel Meade trained six-year-old finished fifth on his debut over hurdles at Sligo last month and dropping back to two miles today he was sent off the 6/1 second favourite (from 10's last night and from 7's on-course) under Paul Carberry.

Having chased the leaders throughout he improved into a close second from the fourth last and he hit the front after two out.

He was ridden approach the last and he looked to have the measure of the 1/3 favourite Thomas Hobson (Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins) when that one crashed out at the last.

This left Wes Hardin with a clear lead and he kept on well on the run-in to score by eight lengths. Loyalty Card (20/1) ran well on his debut over hurdles, finishing second under Andrew Lynch for Austin Leahy. Madaboy Cross (16/1) completed the placings a further three lengths back in third under Jonathan Moore for Thomas O'Connor.

Paul Carberry said afterwards: "The favourite wasn't jumping so I tried to challenge him and burn him out and he did it well.

"Ground is a big thing for him as he needs soft; he's been working on good ground at home but I'd say soft ground is the making of him. I'd say he'll only run during the summer if he gets soft."

The winner is a half-brother to Call It Magic who is two from two after winning a point-to-point and a bumper.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes