Maverick has going day in opener

Lonesome Maverick produced a good front-running performance to land the opening maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

Tom Treacy always had the Celtic Swing gelding to the fore and he was in command running down the hill.

Donal Kinsella 's charge kept on well when asked up the hill to post a six-length win over Nodelay

The winner had ran a cracker when third at Down Royal on his last start over hurdles and had a couple of spins on the Flat since. He was backed this morning at 8/1 and was sent off a 13/2 shot.

"He's a horse of very considerable ability but we've been finding it hard to get him to do it," said Kinsella.

"He decided today was his day. I'm happy enough to win irrespective of what the handicapper does - he might murder him after that.

"He hasn't won since 2008 but is rated 85 on the Flat."