Jan Maat in action© Photo Healy Racing
The Henry de Bromhead-trained Jan Maat proved too strong for fellow Gigginstown-owned hotpot Sometime Soon in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Rachael Blackmore was soon in front on Jan Maat and he found plenty in the closing stages to see off the challenge of the 2/5 shot.
Sometime Soon came to challenge turning for home but couldn't match his rival going to the last as the German-bred gelding went on for a two-and-three-quarter length win.
The 11/4 winner was making his first start since finishing second in a Killarney bumper back in May.
“I'm delighted with that. He jumped well and Rachael said he was still green so hopefully he'll come on for the run as well,” said de Bromhead.
“I'd say we'll look at a rated novice or something like that. He was getting plenty of weight off the favourite so we'll see if there is a rated novice coming up.
“You'd hope chasing will be his game in time.”
