Impero © Photo Healy Racing
Second in a handicap hurdle at the Listowel festival on his first start for trainer Cian Collins, Impero (5/6 fav) made the breakthrough in the Toals Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.
Jordan Gainford made the running on the Zoffany gelding who was pressed by Whispering Hopes on the approach to the final flight but went away from that rival on the run-in to score decisively by seven lengths.
Angie O'Sullivan's five-year-old was getting off the mark on his fifth start over hurdles and Collins said: "He did enjoy himself in front, but Jordan said he wouldn't have minded some company either.
"The other horse (runner-up Whispering Hopes) kept him honest. He did it well and will probably stay further.
"It probably wasn't the hottest race in the world, but it was nice to get his head in front because he has had a bit of a dose of seconditis.
"We were confident, but you just don't know when you are coming into a maiden hurdle.
"Jordan said it was lovely ground, you couldn't fault it.
"It is a great track and actually a lucky track for me. We have had a very good year here and I love coming up here."
Quotes from Michael Graham
