Moonmeister (noseband) is driven out by Luke Dempsey to beat Rufino and Kevin Sexton© Photo Healy Racing
Moonmeister made a winning debut over flights as he took the opener at Downpatrick, the V Is For Vintage Show Maiden Hurdle, under Luke Dempsey for Gordon Elliott and owner Paula Davison.
A five-time winner on the level the son of Mastercraftsman was as short as evens this morning and he opened on-course at 5/4 before drifting out to 11/8 joint-favouritism at the off.
Settled in mid-division he was fifth with a circuit to race.
He met with some traffic problems after the third last but he was soon back on the bridle and came with his challenge approaching the next.
He was ridden after that flight and went in pursuit of the leader after the last, getting to the front inside the final 150 yards before going on to win by half a length. Rufino who attempted to make all, went down fighting as he finished a game second under Kevin Sexton for Philip Rothwell at 11/1. Little Rocky was the other joint-favourite and he was a further ten lengths back in third under Paul Townend for Alan Fleming.
Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "The man nearly stole it in front (Rufino). We might look at a four-year-old winners of one in Galway. He'll mix and match over the flat. He schooled well at home."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
