Our Friend makes a more than pleasing debut Second reserve Our Friend made the most of his opportunity when landing Wexford's two and a half mile maiden hurdle on debut. Paul Nolan's Shantou gelding travelled smoothly into contention approaching the home bend and took a narrow lead from My Uncas into the second last. The latter soon came under pressure and Our Friend stayed on well on the run-in to draw three and three quarter lengths clear at 14/1. Runner-up My Uncas went off at 7/2 from 5/1. He was nine lengths ahead of well backed 13/8 favourite Jazzaway. Kevin Sexton came in for the winning ride as original jockey Bryan Cooper isn't in action today after a fall in Galway yesterday. Paul Nolan said: “He's a lovely horse and we always thought a bit of him. “I thought he might run respectable and we might go back for a bumper but I told Kevin if it's happening it's happening. “He's a nice horse, I loved his attitude, loved the way he jumped - for a horse first time out the way be behaved himself. “You are straight into winners' company now so it's not easy. Kevin said he didn't think there will be any problem stepping him up in trip because he just did everything so relaxed, and he travelled well for him.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
