Sam Bass got into top gear on the run-in to get up close home and claim the opening Anglo Printers Maiden Hurdle at Galway.

Paul Carberry 's mount looked in trouble before the straight but worked his way into contention at the final flight. Luggers Hall looked to have done enough when collaring front-runner One Cool Shabra before the last.

He couldn't hold the late charge of the Noel Meade-trained winner, however, who put his head in front in the closing stages for a three-parts success.

The winner, sent off 9/4 joint-favourite, had scored on his last visit to the course when taking a Flat maiden in a thrilling three-way finish.

The other market leader, Whatever It Takes failed to pick up in the closing stages and finished fourth.

"He got a bit far back and didn't travel that well early on," said Meade of the winner.

"At home you would think he would win over seven furlongs the way he works. He likes good ground and wouldn't be a winter hurdler.

"He'll have another run and then we'll see about going to Listowel for the three-year-old hurdle there."

The winner is owned by the Trim-based McAlpine Syndicate.

Gary Carson