A Penny A Hundred and Cut The Rope dominated the market for the King John's Castle Maiden Hurdle and they controlled proceedings on the track too, with the Willie Mullins-trained former coming out on top.

With both successful on debut in bumpers at Sligo and Naas, they were sent off at 4/6 and 5/2 respectively, with the Paul Townend-ridden victor the market leader.

The pair alternated the lead from flag fall, jumping two out in unison. A Penny A Hundred gained a narrow advantage before the last and with her rival blundering, she stretched clear in the closing stages, coming home three-and-three-parts of a length to the good in the colours of Brendan O'Sullivan.

Paul Nolan 's Cut The Rope had to settle for second under Sean O'Keeffe, with So They Tell Me (16/1) another five-and-a-half lengths back in third.

"We had the freshest of ground being the first race and she loves jumping. We went an even gallop and my horse was race-fit so had that advantage," Townend commented.

"Everything worked out well, she has a lovely attitude and hopefully can progress throughout the season. Jumping is her forte and that can bring her a long way."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes