Cross Appeal showed great battling qualities to make a winning debut over hurdles at Thurles.

Produced to challenge by 'Slippers' Madden after the second last he relinquished his lead at the last to Doctor Deejay

Madden conjured a late surge from the Noel Meade-trained gelding, however, to get back up close home for a head victory.

"We let him off after his last run with a view to going hurdling and he has grown since he was out," said Meade.

"He would be better around Navan or Leopardstown, this track woulldn't really suit. It was more greeness than anything that he dropped back though.

"He stays well and jumps will and will go on soft ground. I'll try and not overrun him. He's won now so we can stay quiet for a while."