Waydownsouth & John Cullen lead Bell Weir & Mikey Butler© Photo Healy Racing
The Pat Flynn trained Waydownsouth took the first race of 2013 in Ireland, the David Flynn Construction Maiden Hurdle, at Tramore.
The 6yo son of Chevalier was a decent performer on the level and won four times, with his last success coming at Navan back in October of 2010.
Making his debut over hurdles this afternoon he was sent off at 9/1 with John Cullen in the saddle.
Coming to the last he lead the staying on Eoin Doyle trained Bell Weir (8/1) by a length but when that one pecked there, it left Waydownsouth with a health lead on the run-in.
Bell Weir stayed on well on the run-in but the line came just in time for the winner who scored by a neck.
The front duo went sixteen lengths clear of the third placed horse who was Old Pride for Tom Taaffe and Andrew McNamara at 6/1 while the 8/11 favourite (was 7/4 overnight with Paddy Powers) Un Beau Roman finished a disappointing fifth for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Pat Flynn said afterwards: "He is owned by Doctor Alex Stafford who is a great owner. I am delighted he won as he had a few quid on him today.
"We will take it handy with him now and go for a winners of one. It’s great to be the leading trainer in the country for 2013!"
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
