Walsh makes the breakthrough aboard Calicojack

Eoin Walsh got off the mark on just his second ride, as he partnered Calicojack to a narrow win in the opener at Down Royal, the Pepsi Max Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

Placed on four of his previous five efforts over flights, the Noel Meade trained seven-year-old was expected to make the breakthrough this afternoon, going off the 5/4 favourite.

Having raced behind the leaders, he made good headway on the outer from the third last and was soon in a share of the lead. Indian Admiral then threw down a challenge from two out, and the pair had a good tussle on the run-in, with just a head separating them at the line.

The runner-up was returned at 66/1 under Liam McKenna for James Lambe, while Batts Rock (9/4) was a further two lengths back in third, with Kevin Brogan aboard this one for Gordon Elliott.

Meade said afterwards: "That horse has been unlucky, he deserved to win a race. We always thought he wasn't a bad horse but it has taken him a long time to get his head in front. Hopefully he will stay in front now.

"He's just been unlucky, he has been running in better races. If he's okay and he comes out of it okay he might go on for another little while.

"He seems to handle the better ground which I didn't think he would.

"That's Eoin's first winner. He's a nice lad from Cork and he rides very well. Hopefully he can carry on and ride a few more.

"He's been with me all winter. He's a lad that deserves to get an opportunity but it is very difficult to get these lads going."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.P. Treacy, rider of Brokopondo trained by Miss Clare Louise Cannon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a noise at the third last and jumped poorly throughout.

D.J. McInerney, rider of Lopito (GB) trained by C.A.McBratney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a gurgling noise in running.

At the request of the Stewards, C.P. McNamara, rider of Lucky Road trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a noise after the second last.

At the request of the Stewards, A. McCurtin, rider of Swiss Cottage (GB), trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was very keen early on but didn't find much and when the race quickened he had nothing to give.

C.A. Landers, rider of Survival Mode trained by Seamus Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung to the right and found the ground too quick.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference approaching the finishing line involving Calicojack, ridden by E. Walsh, placed first and Indian Admiral (GB), ridden by L.A. McKenna, placed second, where it appeared that both horses were in contact with each other approaching the line. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.

The Stewards interviewed C. Brassil, rider of Keenaghan Lass concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that C. Brassil was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (h), in that he used his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned C. Brassil on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham