Marlbrook looks smart on 'track' debut

Marlbrook made an impressive debut 'on the track' when running out an easy winner of the opening maiden hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon.

The Enda Bolger-trained gelding was sent off 4/9 for the two-mile contest and punters never had an anxious moment.

Mark Walsh was content to let his mount track Asitsohappens early on before hitting the front approaching halfway.

The Beneficial gelding soon stretched clear of his rivals once given his head. His lead was reduced turning for home as fellow JP McManus-owned rival All Day Long closed.

Walsh was taking things easy on the hotpot, however, and didn't need to ask him any questions as he skipped clear again before the last.

He was a touch untidy at the final flight but went on to record a facile 17-length victory, adding to a point-to-point success at Nenagh in January.

“He could do no more than he did there,” said Bolger afterwards.

“It's great to get a winner before next week. I had a few point-to-pointers run last weekend and they ran a bit upsides down so that's a relief.

“We'll see what the lads want to do with him next. Chasing is his game.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)