The opening Mallow Maiden Hurdle at Cork today went to the Tom Taaffe trained Soverign who made an impressive win under Paul Townend.

The son of Terimon, a point to point winner at Templemore, tracked the leaders before progressing to lead from the second last flight, eventually recording a two and a half lengths win over Sunwake

Afterwards Taaffe stated “Soverign is a big, strong, raw horse but has a bit of a future! I didn't think he'd win over two miles today and he'll now go for a winners of one hurdle, probably over two and a half miles.”