Le Richebourg made it two from two over flights, as he took the opener at Killarney, the Killarney Welcomes Bordeaux Novice Hurdle.

Placed on his first two starts, the Joseph O'Brien trained four-year-old made the breakthrough on his hurdling debut over the course and distance in May.

The son of Network was expected to follow-up this afternoon, and went off the 8/13 favourite under Jody McGarvey.

Having raced in second, the JP McManus owned victor travelled strong to close on the leader from three out.

He wasn't fluent at the second last, but jumped to the front at the final flight, and quickly stretched clear, going on to score by six lengths.

The front-running Timi Roli (9/4) had to settle for second under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins, while Vinnie Luck was a further Royal Hawk was third when he made a bad mistake three out. He unfortunately injured himself in the process and was subsequently pulled up. "it was a good performance. They went very slow and sprinted down over the last three and it was nice to see him win. He was long at the third last and got a bit close to the second last but was good at the last and on the whole he jumps well.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "Jody said he came back on the bridle very quick after his mistake at the second last and he is a nice horse who can progress.

"I'd hope he'll run during the winter as it was good and soft when he ran twice in bumpers and his bumper form is top class. He wouldn't run on any ground better than today and we'll try and mind him."

The winner is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Grand Crus and nine time victor Gevrey Chambertin.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes