Homme off the mark over timber in Down Royal opener Homme D'un Soir proved too strong for hotpot Pont Du Gard in the opener at Down Royal this afternoon. Joseph O'Brien's charge was sent to post a 1/2 shot in the two-mile contest but couldn't peg back Homme D'un Soir in the closing stages. The 'Sneezy' Foster-trained gelding travelled well to hit the front going to the second last, under Denis O'Regan. He was always holding the favourite at bay on the run-in as he was pushed out to record a cosy three-and-a-quarter length win at odds of 9/4. Homme D'un Soir, a bumper winner on debut, had been placed twice over hurdles and was running in a first time tongue-tie. Stable representative Ian Amond said: "He did it well and he has plenty of experience at this stage as well. "The tongue-tie on obviously helped as well too. He's got his head in front now and hopefully he will get a bit of confidence from it." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
