Deano provided trainer Mary Louise Hallahan with a welcome change of fortune when taking the Templemore Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

Davy Russell’s mount landed in front over the second last flight and, with the final flight omitted due to the stricken Street Party the 5/1 co favourite stayed on well to beat the always prominent Rufino by two and a half lengths. Gatesoffrance was a further length adrift in third.

The lightly-raced winner was last seen when a promising second at Cork eight months ago, and was produced in fine fettle by the Macroom handler.

Miss Hallahan said, “He'll go for something similar next over two miles or two and a half.

"He is owned and bred by my dad (Con) and may jump a fence in the spring, when the ground dries up."

(TW & AM)