Former French Champion AQPS (Bumper) winner Adimelo made a winning debut in the opening Athleague Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon today, for new owner Barry Connell, trainer Alan Fleming and providing a third winner for amateur rider John Fitzpatrick

The son of Honolulu pulled his way into early contention but in the end battled gamely in the home straight for a length and a quarter win over Little Haarth

Afterwards Connell stated "he was a good bumper horse in France last year and won one of their champion bumpers over there (Finale Du Challenge AQPS at Nantes last November) - he won three from six.

"We thought he might need the run as we didn't get him to a schooling race and he should improve.

"He was quite keen most of the way and it was probably a fair run.

"He'll head to Galway now, probably for the winners race on the Tuesday. He was quite gassy today so hopefully he'll spit it out and settle better next time. That would be a big help to him."

The win was the third for Fitzpatrick, 21 and from Kilkenny, who is based with Fleming.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson