I Knew Well leads with a circuit to run before winning © Photo Healy Racing
I Knew Well ended a sequence of placed efforts with a game front-running performance in the Join The Supporters Club Today Maiden Hurdle at Wexford.
Tom Taaffe's gelding had been runner-up on his previous four outings but made no mistake today under a positive front-running ride from 'Slippers' Madden.
The JP McManus-owned 5/4 favourite was untidy at the final flight but responded well when asked for an effort on the run-in to hold the effort of Motown Bob by two-lengths.
"We've had to wait with him. He did what you'd expect him to do," said Taaffe.
"He has a bit of experience and he jumped adequate, I wouldn't say he jumped great. He got a lovely ride, kept it simple in front and he just picked up and stayed galloping when he had to.
"I don't think he will be on the boat going to Cheltenham next March. It won't be his last trip to Wexford anyway.
"We will try and find a handicap for him before we put him out to grass. I said to Slippers there are three or four that could be handy but if they are not don't be afraid to let him do his own thing in front.
"He is not afraid to gallop along in front and when you jump normally well and you are relaxed in front you are putting everyone else behind you under pressure."
(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)
