Mars Harper opened his account over flights in the Armatas Fire and Security Ltd Maiden Hurdle over an extended two miles at Down Royal.

The 7/1 shot made headway to get on terms at the second last and took over at the final flight.

Denise Foster 's five-year-old gelding kept on well to see off a staying-on Cullaghs Star (25/1) by half a length. Digby (25/1) was another length and three parts away in third.

Jockey Luke Dempsey said: ""He did it nicely, he had a good luck when he got to the front but he's won well. He got a nice run through and he's done it nicely.

"In fairness he does (have a bit of talent), I was only keeping him up to it and I still had plenty of horse. From the back of the last he wasn't doing too much at the front, but I'd say if the other horse had come to me I would have gone again."

Mars Harper was previously successful in a bumper at Ballinrobe last August.