L'attesa ran out a cosy winner on his return to action in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Shane Nolan-trained gelding was making his first start since finishing mid-division at Fairyhouse in November.

He travelled supremely well to lead after the third last, under Barry Browne.

The 7/1 was untidy at the second last but was nicely clear at that stage and kept on well in the closing stages to post a five-and-a-half length winning margin.

L'attesa had also scored twice for connections last summer.

Thomas Mulligan who heads up the Red, Green & White Syndicate: "There's 11 of us in the syndicate including a couple of lads in Derby.

"He was the standout in the race and Shane was confident. We'll be back to the North to go chasing. I'd say Downpatrick next time. He has run well there before."

Shane Nolan said: "He has been in good form the last few weeks but we were waiting for the ground to dry up. This was the best we could get so we took our chance. The plan was to go chasing but after this we'll see.

"Barry said he travelled strongly and jumped well. They went so hard in front and he was left in front too soon to pick up the pieces. He'll maybe run again in the next two or three weeks but it depends on the ground."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)