How far the only issue for Faron

Faron (10/3) made all for an easy win in the first division of the 1m7f maiden hurdle at a sunny Kilbeggan.

Joseph O’Brien’s four-year-old was pushed clear after two out and kept on well to account for Free Handshake by eleven lengths with a further twenty lengths back to third-placed Mahons Glory.

The Fascinating Rock gelding, placed three times on the Flat last year, had been fourth on his first completed start over hurdles at Limerick.

Winning rider JJ Slevin said: "I was delighted with him. He travelled very well, jumped very well and did it very well.

“He clocked a pretty good time there on well watered ground so it was a good enough performance I'd say.

“He fell the first day and was maybe a little bit sluggish the next day because of that. He has sharpened up well.

“It was a good effort because it was never in doubt.”

When asked if he could be a nice novice for the summer he added: “He's well able to travel around those sharp tracks so he could well be.”

Quotes from Gary Carson