Dee-One-O-One, a dual winner on the level last August, opened her account over timber when justifying favouritism with consummate ease under an ultra-confident ride from Paul Carberry in the Slaney Maiden Hurdle at Wexford last evening.
'I'd drive all the way around Ireland just to see him ride,' remarked trainer Noel Meade after the Meathman oozed confidence throughout the two mile journey before arriving under a tight rein to head Tarasi and Challenger Two on the short run-in en route to a smooth one length victory.
Seventeen-year-old riders Sean McDermott, who hails from Tralee, and Cashel amateur David Crosse, opened their respective accounts in the saddle - the former aboard Pat Fahy's 25-1 outsider Flamenco Fury in the handicap hurdle before Crosse teamed up with Shrug, owned by his father John and trained by Edward O'Grady, in the maiden hurdle.
'I'm working for Charlie Mann but came home two weeks ago on a months holiday. I'm delighted to have ridden this fellow for my father,' said Crosse jnr.
Australian ace Damian Oliver (27), who opened his account at Fairyhouse on Wednesday evening aboard newcomer Simplicity for Noel Meade, notched up his second victory since arriving in Ireland last month when teaming up with Akasian to win the two mile handicap for Pat Hughes.
'He's in again at Sligo on Sunday and he'll probably run there under a 5lb penalty,' said Hughes after his dual purpose charge notched up his third win over hurdles to add to his three over hurdles.
John Oxx, succesful in Dundalk with Atacat, sent out Rose Quartz to easily land the odds in the one mile and five furlong maiden in the capable hands of Mary Williamson, her fourth success in the plate.
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