Filon D'Oudairies lands the opening race of the Irish jumps season at Limerick

Filon D'Oudairies became the first winner of the new Irish jumps season in the opening division of the maiden hurdle at Limerick.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained five-year-old put in a fine leap at the last to finish clear of Bentham, who had been heavily backed into 5-6 favouritism, having been as big as 3-1 earlier in the day.

"He was fit and jumped beautifully. Mark [Walsh] said he was slick over his hurdles," said Brendan Powell, assistant trainer to O'Brien.

"He can be a bit keen and Mark just let him bowl along. He said that he settled in front and let him have a look at what he was doing. It's a good start after the break with our first runner over jumps."

The second division was claimed by Rebel Gold, who made it eighth time lucky with his first victory under rules for trainer Tom Foley.

He was a remote second at Clonmel in March but raised his game under Paddy Kennedy to finish clear of 4-1 shot Jon Ess in second.

"It's my first winner for Tom," said Kennedy. "He was very free early on but they've done a great job settling him in his work. He's nice and there might be a novice for him at Galway.

"It probably wasn't the strongest race in the world but you can only beat what's put in front of you. It was a nice performance. It's grand to be back and nice to start the season with a winner."

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