The Mark Fahey trained Telecon (17/2 to 11/2) ran out a very easy winner of the opener at Ballinrobe this evening, the Pat Dermody Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

Third on debut in a point-to-point at Borris in December when trained by Ian McCarthy, the son of Telescope since finished third and fourth in bumpers at Clonmel and Wexford respectively.

Starting off over flights this evening and fitted with a hood for the first time, the five-year-old was sent off an 11/2 chance and was settled behind the leaders by Ricky Doyle.

Sent to the front from three out, the Patrick McCarthy owned victor was left clear at the next and soon had matters under control, coming home fifteen lengths to the good.

Recent Sligo second Ladiam (9/2) filled the runner-up berth once again, while David Garrick who was returned the 3/1 favourite, was another three-and-three-parts of a length back in third.

Doyle said afterwards: "He's a lovely horse. I actually sat on him as a three-year-old when Ian McCarthy had him. I did a lot of schooling with him, so he got a good grounding from day one.

"He had good form in a bumper, probably a small bit disappointing that he didn't go closer, but I'm sure he's just a proper jumps horse now that needs a few jumps in front of him.

"He gets a little buzzed up and it doesn't help when there's a lot of pace in the race and you can't relax him down at the start when they're all charging at him, but once we got off and running he settled away lovely.

"He travelled away in his comfort zone and hopefully he's a nice horse to look forward to for the owner Pat who has a few horses with Mark.

"I thought it was good, safe ground and they've done a good job with it."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed D. Meyler, rider of Vocito concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence he accepted that he had used his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D. Meyler was in breach of R10(3)(h) by using his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended D. Meyler for six racedays.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan