A crystal ball would have been required to fancy Tailors Hill prior to the three-mile handicap hurdle at Cork but the eight-year-old grey gelding routed his 23 rivals.

The 16/1 chance had previously just a maiden point-to-point success to his name at Kildorrery over three years ago but the return to hurdling (last hurdle run in January 2012) proved a wise move.

Roger Loughran was hard at work entering the straight but his mount found plenty to strike the front two out, and soon drew clear.

The son of Cloudings finished to such effect that he had ten lengths to spare over second reserve Serra Nova at the line. Wandering Aengus was a further half-length back in third, with A Decent Excuse in fourth.

Winning trainer Mary Hallahan said, “He lost his confidence so we put him back in point-to-points and he stayed on well the last day.

“Roger was very patient on him. They went a really good gallop but he stayed on really well. We’ll look for something similar and hopefully he won’t get too much of a hike.”

(TW & AM)