The opening maiden hurdle at Clonmel was a stamina sapping contest and Rock The Bock fought tenaciously to score. Champus who had led five out, looked the winner turning in but blundered at the second last and the distress signals went out before the final flight.

Ruby Walsh got a good tune from Rock The Bock, who stayed on well on the run-in to score by a length-and-a-quarter.

"Ruby said he wants better ground but fitness got him through," said trainer Dusty Sheehy.

"He jumped better today. He jumped brutal in Naas when we fancied him. He has done plenty of schooling since. Ruby was his brilliant self."