Paul Marvel grinds it out on debut

Newcomer Paul Marvel won a battle with Trust Me Nate in the two mile maiden hurdle at Limerick for Willie Mullins.

You couldn't have called him an obvious winner half-way around, but he jumped into contention and found for Kieran Callaghan.

The grey was almost upsides on the outer at the third last and was driven to lead narrowly approaching the home bend.

Trust Me Nate came with a strong challenge two out and was still right in there just a neck off the leader at the last.

They both jumped it well but 6/4 favourite Paul Marvel dug deepest to go on by two and a quarter lengths. Trust Me Nate (10/3) had to settle for second some 14 lengths clear of Another Million (25/1).

Callaghan said: "Plan A and B went out the window straightaway with how fast we were going and I was a lot further back than I was hoping. In fairness, how fast we went probably suited him in the end and I'm glad it didn't turn into a sprint.

"He stays really well and once I got stuck into him he really picked up. He hit the line strongly and I thought it was a nice performance for his first run on the track.

"He was very good over the last two and went I wanted him, he was there. He is a fine big horse so there are plenty of options for the future."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes