West Montan and Sean Flanagan on the way to victory in Galway's opener© Photo Healy Racing
West Montan (13/8 into 5/4) got the better of Waver (8/11 out to evens) in what turned out to be the expected match for the opening Anglo Printers Maiden Hurdle at Galway.
Harry Kelly's mare, who'd had a taste of racecourse jumping already, put it up to the 78-rated flat performer, Waver, from the front.
Not surprisingly the latter's hurdling was 'novicey,' but when he got the second last right under Robbie Power, he looked a big threat to the victorious daughter of Westerner.
However Aidan O'Brien's Waver was soon under pressure and West Montan kept going in determined style to triumph by three lengths.
"She disappointed here at the Festival, she went to Leopardstown a couple of days later and ran well to finish second in a mile and a half flat maiden," stated Kelly.
He added: "She went to the North the last day and in my opinion she was very unlucky. She just took a chance at a hurdle and I think she would have put it up to Pat Flynn's mare (Storm Away) on the day.
"She proved herself today and Sean gave her a great ride. She just had a bit more respect for these hurdles.
"She was very, very good the last day but she was jumping them long and low and I wouldn't have liked to be riding her. I said to him going out to leave her run A to B but halfway around he said he could change his mind and just give her a squeeze over these ones."
Looking ahead Kelly explained: "She is obviously not big enough to jump a fence. I think she is good enough to win a flat maiden over a trip though.
"We might try and get some black-type for her over hurdles. She might go to Down Royal for that novice.
"She will handle softer ground too. I was worried about the ground being a bit too quick for her today, she would be better with a bit more ease.
"The Grabel at Punchestown is another option." (DM & EM)
