Penny Jar produced an electrifying burst of speed to quickly settle Division l of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

The Patrick Downey trained gelding had failed to trouble the judge on ten previous starts but hinted at ability when fifth at Punchestown last November.

Off the track since then, he clearly benefitted from the break, as he proved much too strong for his opponents.

On the approach to the final flight, Penny Jar still had plenty to do but jockey Paddy O'Brien produced the six-year-old between horses and he quickly raced clear to win easily.

Paddy O'Brien, riding his first winner, said: "All credit to the horse really, he stuck it out well. I knew he would stay and stay, so I was happy the whole way.

"He finished very well, he's a very straightforward horse.

"I'm just delighted it is done. I'm from Garristown and I'm 20. I'm in Gavin Cromwell's every day and I go into Pat's in the evenings."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham