Awkward Moment started to repay his trainer's opinion of him when running out a cosy winner of the maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

The Deploy gelding was produced to challenge at the last by Adrian Heskin and asserted on the run-in for a comfortable four-and-a-half length victory over Kusadasi

Trainer Michael Hourigan was on hand to welcome back the winner, who carries the famous Beef Or Salmon colours of northern owner Joe Craig.

"I bred him myself and sold him thinking he was a very good horse but my horses just weren't running well," said Hourigan.

"Hand on heart I still think he could be a very good horse but today is the first day he's showed that he's a good horse.

"I just hope he can justify the colours. I'd love to think he could be half as good as Beef Or Salmon but a third would do!

"He's only five turning six so will keep to hurdles this season but chasing is his game and he wants better ground. He's done his job today in a good spot for Joe."