Idas Boy justified his short price when running out an impressive winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at Thurles this afternoon.

The Noel Meade-trained gelding went to post an 8/11 shot on his return to action having been placed in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle.

Bryan Cooper tracked the leaders on the Gigginstown gelding and he went on at the third last flight.

The Dubai Destination gelding went clear turning for home and galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a cosy nine-and-a-half length win over Caesar Rock

Cooper, who replaced the injured Sean Flanagan, said:- “He stays well and when he jumped good he was very good. He was a bit clumsy in tight.

“He’s a big chaser, a typical Gigginstown horse. Judging on that evidence he’s probably improved and strengthened up a bit.

“He’ll pay his way going forward over a trip. Whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus before he goes over fences.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)