In a first-time hood it came together nicely for Rathnure Rebel to get off the mark on the racecourse proper, at attempt number three, in the Irish National Hunt Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

A well-backed 7/2 co-favourite (from 11/2), the Gigginstown House Stud-owned Rathnure Rebel made most for the in-form team of Noel Meade and Sean Flanagan, and he was much too powerful for Sweet Shirleen in the closing stages, scoring by twelve lengths.

Richie Rath trained Rathnure Rebel to win a Dromahane point-to-point in April 2014. His transfer to high profile connections after that, even made the local newspapers in County Wexford.

"He had a few issues and it took us a while to get him back last season and it was a bit of a rush the whole way through with him," said Meade.

"He was bought after he won his point to point at Dromahane and he beat Three Musketeers, who is a good horse. I happened to be there as Nina (Carberry) was riding Three Musketeers and he (Rathnure Rebel) actually fell at the first and was down on all fours.

"However he got back up again - he ran away the whole way in the three mile race and still won - I've never seen the like of it!

"That's the first thing he's done right for me so hopefully it's onwards and upwards now and I'd say three miles would suit him well and he could go to Cork for a novice hurdle next."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Berry Des Aulmes (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)