King struts his stuff under Short Punters got things spot on in the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, with the favourite Catwalk King leading home market rival Black Key. Black Key opened at 11/10 on-course with Catwalk King available at 6/4. However they flip-flopped before the off, with Black Key drifting out to 6/4, and Catwalk King going the other direction, returning the 6/5 favourite. The Liz Doyle trained victor was disappointingly beaten when odds-on at Limerick last month, but he bounced back to form here, dropping back in trip to two and a half miles. He travelled best to lead after the second last, and was ridden out from the final flight, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths under Adam Short. Dylan Robinson was aboard Black Key for Henry De Bromhead, while Macgiloney (25/1) was another five and a half lengths back in third with Shane Mulcahy aboard for Denis Hogan. The winning rider said afterwards: "It was very easy. All he wanted was a bit of nicer ground "He was unlucky a few runs ago in Punchestown when he bumped into one of Willie (Mullins') and probably didn't handle the track. "I was a bit worried as there was nothing wanting to go on and I wanted to sit third or fourth. It worked out ideal as I was able to sit fourth and follow Dylan (Robinson). "I didn't want to get there too soon. I know he was stepping up in trip the last day but he maybe just didn't see it out as well as he could have and I was conscious to keep a hold of him. He felt fair impressive. "He jumps like a buck and has got the size (for chasing). He screams quality. On a bit nicer ground he can progress away." Additional reporting by Gary Carson
