Kaiser Black opened his account under rules with a facile success in the UCC Goes Racing Maiden Hurdle at Cork, although trainer Pat Doyle revealed afterwards that a phone call yesterday morning proved crucial.

The son of Germany won a point-to-point at Largy last year, and has shown promise on a number of occasions over hurdles including when runner-up to Wishmoor at Leopardstown earlier this month.

The 4/6 favourite cruised to the front under Davy Russell and soon settled the issue after two out for a runaway victory.

The six-year-old gelding was an effortless 14 lengths clear of Macs Legend at the line, with Berry Des Aulmes another four lengths away in third.

Doyle said, "His runs at Leopardstown and Naas were very good but had one blip when he chipped a stifle at Tipperary. He is a very nice, big horse who is a chaser in the making.

"He might go for a winners' of one at Punchestown next before being left off and he'll go chasing next season. He jumps well and just took time to mature.

"I'd have been disappointed if he'd have been beaten today but I have to thank HRI as I hadn't him declared. They rang me at 10.10am yesterday morning to say only four had been declared and I declared him then!

"Other than that he wouldn't have ran here as I thought it was going to be the inside track and it is very tight. It also rides quicker than the outside track and he does want soft ground. It was a nice call by them!"

(TW & AM)