Strong even money favourite Sayar made a great start for owner Audrey Turley and trainer Willie Mullins in the Hurley Family Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Paul Townend 's mount disputed the lead early and he led after the first.

Doubling up for Mullins and Townend after their win in the previous heat with Whiteout Sayar veered slightly left before the fourth, but stretched clear before last and kept on well on the run-in, to easily account for Big Ben by sixteen lengths.

"I was surprised to see him in Kilbeggan but I'm glad he came here and I got the leg up on him," said Townend.

"He has a lot to learn and he was very green but he still won really well and can only improve from it.

"He had a look at every hurdle and probably the last was the only one he went down and jumped well. There is plenty more to come from him."

B. Hayes, rider of Motcomb Street (USA) trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the fourth last hurdle.

R.M. Power, rider of Easy Pass trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was never travelling on the final circuit.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Easy Pass, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(GC & EM)