THE Ellmarie Holden-trained Sir Gerhard (2/1) initiated the opening leg of a double for Derek O’Connor in the first division of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden at Boulta on Sunday.

Making his debut, Sir Gerhard was bounced out upsides in front with The Bees Knees and the pair disputed the running until the former went for home from the third last of the 14 obstacles. The winner, a €72,000 graduate of the 2018 Goffs Land Rover Sale that come from the family of the former European champion three-year-old miler Zaffeen, was well in command and he coasted clear to dismiss Minella Drama by 12 lengths in the style of a horse that we will be hearing a lot more about.