The opening race of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival was won by the John McConnell trained Dul Ar An Ol with Luke McNiff in the saddle.

The well backed Perugino gelding (16/1 - 6/1) was settled in behind the leaders by McNiff and took the up the lead travelling well at the second last.

The pair kept on strongly from the last to hold off the efforts of Paddy Flood and Steviemac by one and half lengths.

Winning trainer McConnell said afterwards: "That was his first run for me. I don't really know a whole lot about him but on his homework he had stones in hand coming here."

"He was boiled over before so that was a worry, he is a bit of a character."

"Today was the plan and it worked out well. I don't mind where we go after, he might go back on the flat as he's loads of toe."