Kuiper Belt gained a measure of compensation for losing a big Listowel prize in the steward's room when justifying favouritism in the Thorney Bridge Novice Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

Gordon Elliott 's charge passed the post in front in the Grade B Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Handicap Hurdle at the Harvest Festival, only to be demoted in favour of Gold Seal.

Here with Davy Russell up, the 11/8 shot settled behind the leaders in third, and he improved to challenge after three out.

Kuiper Belt was on terms before the straight and he led before two out.

Ridden before the last, the Cullentra House Stables runner kept on well on the run-in to beat Our Rachael by a length.

"It's great he atoned for the last day and Gordon has done a marvellous job with him," said Russell. 

"There might be another handicap in him. He travelled really well but only barely got to the line."

(TW & EM)