Desert Friend rewarded those who kept the faith with an eased down success in the John B. Keane (C&G) Maiden Hurdle at Listowel.

Denis Hogan 's six-year-old had finished second over course and distance on his stable debut at the Harvest Festival but failed to build on that in three subsequent runs.

However, returning to the island track brought about a revival in the horses fortunes, as he travelled noticeably well before galloping clear of his rivals from the turn in.

A decent handicapper on the flat for David Simcock, he could make up into a useful dual purpose horse over the summer.

Donagh Meyler, the winning jockey, reported; "There wasn't much pace on and I was happy enough as he travelled and jumped well. He quickened the whole way up the straight.

"I was second on him here last September and he likes it here."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes