Kupa River opened his account in no uncertain manner when taking the Follow Listowel Races On Twitter Maiden by an emphatic nine lengths.

The Patrick Prendergast-trained gelding was fitted with a hood after racing keenly on his previous three starts, and again was keen to get on with things in front.

Ronan Whelan ’s mount quickly stretched clear early in the straight, and the 9/4 chance was in total command inside the final furlong to beat well-backed 13/8 favourite Free Ranger by nine lengths. Shamad was a further five and a half lengths back in third.

Prendergast said, “He’d some very good form, and the last day he was third in a far better maiden. The hood has really helped him and my staff have done a great job as he was on his nerves a bit on his first few runs and did too much.

“Ronan reckoned he’d be a far better horse going left-handed and he was right. He’s improved every run.

“It’s hard to figure out what his rating will be after today. He’s very much a baby and I think he’ll be a much better horse next year.”