Arvico Bleu previously placed in point-to-points, a bumper and over hurdles, got off the mark when readily landing odds of 4/9 in the Kilmore Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Gigginstown-owned gelding travelled strongly to lead entering the straight but Bryan Cooper had some anxious moments as his saddle slipped back considerably.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained five-year-old overcame any inconvenience, and stayed on well to beat 100/1 shot Settimo Milanese by two lengths. Around The Pound was a further four lengths adrift in third.

Cooper said, "It was a good call by Henry for keeping him a novice for this year as he is massive and will probably get better. He liked the ground and will improve for it.

"He had rock-solid form but was competing against seasoned summer horses here so I was just a bit worried about fitness but Henry had him spot on. He is a real chaser."

(TW & AM)