The Scourge gets off the mark over hurdles

The 7/4 joint favourites dominated the two maiden hurdle in Kilbeggan with The Scourge holding too many guns for Emmy Lou

The Scourge raced in eighth as Dawn Breeze took the 14-runner field along. He then improved into sixth at the third last. On the long run to the second last he made eye-catching progress into second behind Emmy Lou who had grabbed the lead from a weakening Dawn Breeze.

The Scourge was on terms with Emmy Lou at the penultimate flight but soon moved to the front upon landing. He was ridden by Carberry coming to the last and kept at it to repel a rallying Emmy Lou by half a length. Zagelle (9/1) stayed on well on the run-in to take third, a neck off the runner-up.

Gordon Elliott said: "It wasn't the strongest race. He should be able to win again. He's well enough handicapped on the Flat and might win a little race in England."

Paul Carberry added: "He did it well. I rode him in Tramore a good while ago and he stayed on well but took a while to get going so I rode him a bit handier today.

"He travelled well and jumped very well. I probably got there a bit soon and he had a look at the last but I always had plenty left. The ground is on the quick side of good."

The Scourge won on the flat in Down Royal last September.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson