Mr Picotee had to dig deep as he made it five winning favourites in a row at Tipperary tonight when landing the two-mile maiden hurdle.

Vincent Halley 's charge had been supported from 5/2 this morning and returned a 5/4 shot to continue a miserable night for the layers.

He arrived to dispute with Three Stars at the second last and the pair had a great duel in the closing stages.

Mr Picotee just found more close home for Philip Enright to seal the victory by half a length.

The winner had run a promising race on his hurdling debut at Punchestown in February when fifth behind Some Article.

"He has been consistent with the exception of one run and has taken taken time to fill into his big frame," said Halley.

"We'll stick to two miles as he has plenty pace and will go for a novice hurdle next. He needs better ground and might go chasing before the end of the summer."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)