Stuzzikini stayed on for Danny Gilligan to win the two mile maiden hurdle in Kilbeggan.

The odds-on favourite couldn't have been called an obvious winner as he came off the bridle in fourth on the long run between the final two flights.

He swing for home in third behind the leader Je T'ai Porte and Men Of Dreams and Gilligan rousted him into second on the run-in.

Je T'ai Porte was still in front and was ridden 150 yards out to try and fend off the challenger. Stuzzikini (10/11f) got alongside at the next marker (100 yards) and went on close home by a length and a half.

Je T'ai Porte had to settle for second at 7/2 with Men Of Dreams three and a quarter lengths back in third at 16/1. He was a market springer from 50/1.

Gordon Elliott said: “He gave him a lovely ride. Danny is going to ride plenty for us this year.”

"The ground was very soft for him the last day (when pulled up in Down Royal)."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson