Nouvotic continued the recent red-hot form of trainer Henry de Bromhead when landing the opener at Wexford this afternoon.

The French-bred gelding went to post 13/8 favourite in the two-and-a-half mile maiden hurdle and travelled sweetly throughout for Rachael Blackmore.

He jumped into the lead at the second last and asserted down to the final flight where a fine leap settled matters. Lightkeeper chased him home to get within two-and-three-quarter lengths.

The winner had been fourth last time out at Downpatrick having been runner-up at Tramore previously.

Stable representative Robbie Power said: "He had some good runs to his name and was entitled to do that today.

“We'll go home now and pick something out for him. I don't think he will go to Galway, he'll probably go for something after that."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)