Howth made a winning start in handicap company when claiming the opening nursery at Killarney this afternoon.

The Ballydoyle colt tracked the leaders in the mile contest and gave chase to front-runner Play By The Rules early in the straight.

The son of Churchill stuck on well for Seamie Heffernan to get on top inside the final furlong and post a length-and-a-quarter victory over the long-time leader.

Howth was sent to post the 6/4 favourite after three solid maiden runs, the best of those when runner-up to Celtic Times at Tipperary in late June.

Heffernan commented afterwards:- "It was his fourth run and he is fine big horse and it was nice to win with him. He has always worked like he was capable of winning a maiden.

"It is beautiful ground."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)