THE Laois Foxhounds hosted their annual fixture at the picturesque Stradbally Hall, and the meeting got off to a cracking start in the opening four-year-old maiden as Alan Harney guided the Donnchadh Doyle-trained Endless Talking (5/2 – 6/4) to an emphatic success.

Running in the familiar green and orange colours of Monbeg Syndicate and bred by the late Ronnie O’Neill of Whytemount Stud, this newcomer son of Affinisea created a favourable impression by moving through to lead after the fourth last fence before quickening and drawing clear in the straight to record an impressive 12-length victory from C’mon So.