Very easy win for Rennetti in the opener

Rennetti, Ruby Walsh's only mount at Downpatrick this afternoon, took the opener, the Rock Around The Clock Party 4yo Maiden Hurdle, in convincing fashion.

The Willie Mullins trained son of Irish Wells won twice on the level in France, and making his debut for his new connections today he was sent off the 2/9 favourite.

Settled in third in the early stages, the Susanna Ricci owned gelding moved into the lead with a circuit left to race.

He travelled best approaching the second last, and went clear approaching the final flight, keeping on well on the run-in to score easily by thirteen lengths. Sue And Isi finished back in second at 16/1 under Niall Madden for Noel Meade, while Federici kept on well in the closing stages, finishing a head back in third under Adrian Heskin for Enda Bolger at 33/1.

Willie Mullins said afterwards: “He is a nice sort and I think he will progress up the novice ranks. I wasn’t afraid to come up here as they provide nice ground."

Ruby Walsh added: "He has been working with Arctic Fire at home and they are similar types.

"He won at Tipperary, and while here is a lot different, he did it well and you’d be hoping he’ll improve.

"He got a bit tight to second last, but I wouldn’t be worry about his jumping."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham