Riviera Sun jumps the last under Jody McGarvey© Photo Healy Racing
Riviera Sun ran out a facile winner of the opener at Limerick, the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Jody McGarvey for Henry De Bromhead and owner JP McManus.
The six-year-old son of Milan won a bumper at Down Royal in March of last year and he was far from disgraced in his subsequent three efforts over hurdles.
Available at 11/8 last night he opened on-course at 11/10 before going off the even money favourite.
Settled well behind the pace setters in third, he took closer order four out and cruised through to lead on the approach to the second last.
He never came off the bridle as he coasted to a four length success with My Manekineko (25/1) running a big race in second under Thomas Doran for James Nash. Lahaag (11/1) completed the placings a further twelve lengths back in third under Andrew Ring for Charles Byrnes.
Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "That was Jody's first ride for us so he has a 100% record and gave him a super ride.
"I'm delighted he won as he deserved the win and we decided to give him a break after his run the last day and he seems much better today.
"I'll speak to Frank (Berry, JP McManus' racing manager) and we'll see what everyone thinks before making a plan. He seemed to handle the ground and I'd hope he'd stay further in time."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
