Notwhatiam sprang a surprise in the Woodlands House Hotel Adare Maiden Hurdle, scoring on his first start for Wexford trainer Richie Rath.

Previously trained by Michael Murphy, the six-year-old son of Mozorov had shown little on his four previous starts.

Having opened at 33/1 on-course today he did come in for some market support and went off at the odds of 25/1.

Sent straight to the front by Barry O’Neill he made all and eased to a four and three parts of a length win. Inch Rise who was sent off the 1/2 favourite, was under pressure from before two out and he finished second under Jonathan Burke for his father Liam.

Richie Rath said afterwards: "He was having his first run for me and I've only had him two months and I fancied him today. He's hardy and real tough and I might look for a handicap next."

Winning owner Seamus O'Connor, from Enniscorthy, added: "We knew he’d keep going but were worried about the ground. My father Michael, who passed away last May, bred him and he was the last of that breed."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes