Livelovelaugh outclasses his rivals

Livelovelaugh justified odds-on favouritism in the opener at Ballinrobe, the Tipperary Water Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins and the Ricci's.

Last seen finishing eighth in the Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival in 2015, the six-year-old son of Beneficial outclassed his rivals here on his hurdling debut.

Settled in a clear second, he improved to lead before two out. He went clear on the approach to the straight and never came off the bridle, going on to score by eight lengths.

Available at 5/4 last night, the winner was well-supported, opening on-course at 8/11 before going off the clear 8/13 favourite. Glencairn View who came in for market support earlier in the day, finished second at 5/1 under Danny Mullins for his father Tony. Kagney completed the placings a further two lengths back in third under Jonathan Moore for Noel Meade at 50/1.

Paul Townend said afterwards: "It was very straight-forward and it's nice to see him back on track.

"He jumped great and he was a bit fresh early but that was only to be expected coming off a break.

"I'd imagine he might keep going now and he's a nice horse."

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy