Off a 111 day break and having his second start for Noel Meade Art Of Synergy (the well-backed 3/1 joint favourite) proved best in the opening Kinnegad Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan. Sharps Choice came out worst of the three big contenders at the final flight and it soon boiled down to a match between Art Of Synergy and Great Khan

At the post Art Of Synergy (Sean Flanagan up) was a length and a quarter up with a length and three parts back to the aforementioned Sharps Choice in third.

"I told him (owner Munnelly Support Services Ltd) last week I was putting him in the sales (Goffs UK Spring HIT entry) and now I have to tell him he won!" said Meade.

"He had a wind-op and when we ran him in Navan he ran very bad. Maybe the heavy ground was just catching him out.

"He was much better today. Sean said he didn't make any noise, travelled well and jumped reasonably good.

"He stays really well and is a lovely big horse so I'm sure he'll make a nice chaser.

"I suppose I'll have to see if I can get him to keep him now!"

(GC & EM)