Rick overcame a nine month absence when justifying good support (11/2-9/2) under Paddy Flood in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding was sent to the front before three out, and stayed on well from the last to get the better of Sam Waley-Cohen's mount Oscar Time by one and a half lengths.

The 4/5 favourite Sivota was being pushed along approaching the straight, and could find no extra from the second last.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said: “I'm delighted with that as I thought he'd need the run. It was a good performance, and he could be very good. We may go now for the three mile hurdle at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.”

Oscar Time's trainer Martin Lynch said: “He was bought by the Waley-Cohen's a month ago for Sam to ride, and the plan is the John Smith's Grand National. This was a good first step on the way.”