Delvin Road and Donagh Meyler © Photo Healy Racing
Delvin Road ran out an easy winner of the opening Daily Mirror Maiden Hurdle under a confident ride from Donagh Meyler.
Tony Martin's charge has been knocking on the door over hurdles during the winter and opened his account in fine style.
Round Tower made the running in the two-mile contest and poached a healthy advantage four from home.
Meyler asked his mount to claim the front-runner on the long run between the final two flights and could afford to sit up going to the last as he was in total control.
The well backed Delvin Road (6/1 into 10/3) cruised home on the run-in to post a seven-length victory.
"He has been unlucky, but he got a bit of nice ground there. You would have to like him today, he was great in his coat," said Martin.
"I thought the young lad was excellent on him. He wouldn't be the easiest horse, he's a bit keen and strong early in the race. He switched him off and steadied him up going to the last.
"We'll give him a week off and find something over Easter at Fairyhouse for him. His owner (Elizabeth Lawlor) likes Fairyhouse. She couldn't make it up today because of migraines. She's from Killenaule, Tipperary and has been involved in Dunguib."
It was a second career winner for 19-year-old Meyler, who is from Kilkenny.
(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
