Rain a good winner under Walsh for Barry

After Rain justified 7/4 favouritism in the Wexford Rated Novice Hurdle as he ran out a comfortable winner under Mark Walsh for Shay Barry and JP McManus.

Having won his maiden hurdle at Killarney in August the son of Al Namix finished second to Gangster on his last start at Listowel.

Dropped in today he travelled best turning into the straight and hit the front after the second last, keeping on well from there to score by three and a quarter lengths. Runyon Rattler who attempted to make all, finished a good second under Andrew Ring for Philip Rothwell at 8/1.

The front duo went eight lengths clear of Prince Kup who was third.

Shay Barry said afterwards: "I was delighted with the way he relaxed today and he jumped a lot better. He was a little anxious on his last couple of runs.

"Mark said he handled the ground well but it wasn't real winter soft. I'd say he will get a break now as he doesn't want real deep winter ground and he will be a nice horse for next year.

"I'd say he will be okay over two and a half but the main think is he relaxed today and jumped a lot better."