Walsh works his magic on Belord

Start Me Up the favourite for the Winter Wonderland Maiden Hurdle is a frustrating sort and finished third today but the winner Belord has also tested the patience of connections. They were finally rewarded when the son of Lord Of Men came home strongly under Kevin Coleman to land the two miler at Limerick.

The chestnut has been trying to win a hurdle for over four years having won a flat race in his native Germany in May 2006. Now with his second trainer since he arrived in Ireland and having his third start for John Joe Walsh, Belord headed Worldly Wise away from the final hurdle and went on to prevail convincingly.

Belord is owned by John Kierans of Anglo Printers, responsible for the Limerick racecard and many others throughout the country. Of course he also has the Limerick specialist Jack Absolute with Walsh. That grey has won five races at Greenmount Park.

Walsh said of Belord: "He'll go for a winners race next and judging by the way he won there a longer trip would suit him. He jumped well and got a good ride."