Captain Dancer made an impressive jumping debut when readily landing division two of the Visit Tipperary Maiden Hurdle in the hands of Davy Russell.
The son of Danehill Dancer, twice a winner on the Flat in Britain for Barry Hils, has only joined the Co. Limerick yard of Charles Byrnes in recent months and looked a useful recruit here.
The 3/1 chance was poised on the inner throughout and, after Russell switched his mount right to challenge approaching the last, the result was never in doubt.
The five-year-old led over the last on a tight rein and cruised home a length and three quarters ahead of the well-backed Spot Fine (6/1, from 10's). Mullaghwillin Boy (25/1) cut out alot of the running before settling for third spot a further six and a half lengths back, while the 9/4 favourite (from 11/4) Deep Determination proved a bitter disappointment finishing in rear.
Byrnes said, “We'll tip away with him and try to find a winners-of-one. The trip (nine furlongs) was on the short side for him at Listowel last time but he works well at home.”
Alan Magee
