Akinspirit the subject of a big market move when running on the level at Gowran last time, lost his maiden tag on his third attempt for Michael Butler when taking the Knocklofty Maiden Hurdle in the words of commentator Jerry Hannon, "with a degree of cheek."

Johnny Allen was always looking confident on the ex-Eoin Griffin trained one length winner and after hurdling well he had to knuckle down on the run-in to see off Karaking

Ballon, Co. Carlow, meat processor, Fred Salter owns the 3/1 favourite and his trainer, Michael Butler said: "He'll probably go back on the flat. He loved the dry ground here."