Joyau De Thaix (7/1) gave the Paul Nolan team a welcome success in the Signsplus Maiden Hurdle at Limerick, the grey delivering in the hands of Sean Flanagan.

Coming on from his debut third placing at Gowran 45 days ago, Joyau De Thaix was always up there and in the end he saw off hurdling newcomer Spasiba by a length and three parts.

"It is nice to get one on the board early as we had a few disappointments in the last fortnight," said Nolan's brother James.

"Jody (McGarvey, on favourite Jolie Coeur Allen was plenty keen in-behind and our lad was green in front. I was worried but Sean (Flanagan, jockey) wasn't as he had gone a good gallop.

"He has improved a tonne from the first day and Sean thinks he is a good horse who wants that soft ground. He jumps like a buck and has a great attitude. Aidan Fitzgerald (pre-trainer) did a great job with him last year and takes his time with those horses.

"It is important to have a good winner for Lynne and Angus (Maclennan) as last year was their first year with us. We had a winner last year too and hopefully it is the beginning of a good partnership."

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Wholelotofbusiness ridden by J.P. Shinnick, and trained by Eoin Christopher McCarthy. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. In his evidence J.P. Shinnick, stated that it was his first time to ride Wholelotofbusiness and his instructions were to hold him up and get him settled as he can be very keen. Mrs S. McCarthy, authorised representative for the trainer, stated that Wholelotofbusiness can be very keen and confirmed the riding instructions given and expressed her satisfaction with the ride. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Wholelotofbuisiness was showing signs of mild heat stress post race. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations offered.

(TW & EM)