The Claddagh Maiden Hurdle went to easy-to-back 15/8 favourite Ragnar Lodbrok ridden by Jack Kennedy, who came through to lead after jumping the final flight.

The Fame And Glory gelding, in the frame in two hot bumpers last season, was not extended to beat the staying-on Elizabeth J (10/1) by four and a quarter lengths, with Mighty Tom (28/1) another length and a quarter back in third.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said of his Gigginstown House Stud-owned inmate: “His jumping had been novicey at home but he jumped better there.

“He’s having a good blow and he’ll come on plenty from it.”

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy