The Willie Mullins-trained Capodanno opened his account when prominent throughout to land the two-mile Monroe Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.

The French import was an easy-to-back favourite when third on his first start for J P McManus here last month but was a lot stronger in the market on this occasion.

The 10/11 favourite asserted after two out and drew right away on the run-in to score by seven lengths under Mark Walsh. Dunboyne was also up with the pace all the way but could find no extra from the last in second spot, with Mahlers Dollar another two lengths back in third and Grange Island catching the eye when keeping on in fourth.

Walsh said, "He is a grand horse, the ground is testing and I got my own way in front. I was able to set my own fractions which suited and he jumped and travelled great so I'm delighted with him.

"Patrick (Mullins) rode him the last day and said he'd benefit from a tongue-tie and it seemed to work."

(TW & AM)