Moss Street finally made the breakthrough over flights as he took the opener at Downpatrick this afternoon, the Downpatrick Family Day Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Paul Carberry for Gordon Elliott.

The four-year-old son of Moss Vale was having his fifteenth start over hurdles today having finished fourth of seven on his last outing in handicap company at Perth.

Tried over two mile two for the first time here he was sent off at 13/8 having opened at 11/10 this morning and 6/4 on-course.

Having led after the first he was pressed briefly at the second last before soon asserting.

He was clear at the last where he made a slight mistake and he kept on well from there to win easily by twelve lengths. Big Kern went off the 8/11 favourite (opened at 10/11 on-course) and finished a disappointing second under Robbie Power for Brian Hamilton.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "It wasn't a great race. On his form earlier in the season he looked a penalty kick, but he lost his way. I'd say he didn't stay in Perth.

"He's owned by friends of mine (Call It What you Like Syndicate) that have been with me from the start.

"Paul decided to make it when the favourite slipped at the first."

Robbie Power rider of the runner-up reported the ground to be good safe ground.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham