The Last Marju jumps the last under Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
The well-supported The Last Marju got off the mark on his third start over flights, as he took the opener at Killarney, the SeamusWeldon.com Maiden Hurdle.
Fifth to Chadic on his jumps debut at Cork, the Denis Cullen trained bay then finished third to Muthaza at the Galway Festival.
Available at 10/1 last night, the son of Marju was sent off at just 4/1, and he was settled in mid-division by Davy Russell.
He took closer order before three out, and soon came with his challenge on the outer. He jumped the next in a share of the lead, and hit the front before the last, keeping on well from there to score by two lengths. Rock Lobster ran on to take second under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott at 10/1, while D'Pinesflyer was a further length and a quarter back in third under Ryan Treacy for Patrick Neville at 9/2. Pateen was sent off the 7/4 favourite (from 9/4) and he finished a well-beaten sixth under Lisa O'Neill for Shane Ryder.
Denis Cullen said afterwards: "He's progressing with each run and appreciated the bit of cut. Davy took his time and gave him a chance before working his magic on him.
"I thought that I'd left him a bit short after Galway as he's put on a bit of weight. I'm delighted to be training for Nick Peacock (Wicklow Bloodstock) and it's all thanks to a mutual friend of ours Michael McDonnell.
"We'll see how he comes out of this, and he could go for something like the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
