Dusty Trail from the Eoin Doyle stable justified favouritism when taking the opening August Racing Festival 12th to 15th Maiden Hurdle at Tramore this afternoon.

Shay Barry produced the 11/8 favourite to lead after the second last and kept on well on the run to hold off Mr Dazza and Barry Geraghty by a length.

Winning trainer Doyle said afterwards: "It's the horses first run over hurdles this year and Shay [Barry] said he stayed on well but idled a bit in front."

"He loves the fast ground and we'll see what the handicapper does with him now, he'll probably mix it on the flat and over hurdles for the Summer."