Rainbow Trail got favourite backers up and running in the opening Mongey Communications Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

Jack Kennedy's mount made most and a good jump two out saw him increase his lead on the long approach to the last. Well Dressed was soon his sole challenger and he still moved well under Mark Walsh as the pair moved into a threatening position in jumping the final flight.

It came down to the jumping, though, and Rainbow Trail was much the better over it and went on in the closing stages to post a three-length success at 8/15.

Runner-up Well Dressed was a 4/1 chance and was four-and-a-quarter-lengths clear of Union Street (7/2).

Gordon Elliott said: “That was grand. Jack said its hard work out there and the ground is very deep.

“It's a winner for Jack which is very important (in title race). We probably won't do much more with him until next year when he goes chasing.

“He's honest, jumps and stays.”

This moved Jack Kennedy on to 112 winners for the season, five clear of Paul Townend.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson