Tough conditions for participants and racegoers as the opening Farmhouse Foods Novice Handicap Hurdle was run in driving rain at Fairyhouse and it was Telecon (18s into 14/1 before the off) who landed the spoils.

The hooded six-year-old was settled in mid-division by Ricky Doyle before going in pursuit of clear leader Ages Of Man (66s into 33/1) entering the straight. The winner struck the front after the second-last and overcame a bad blunder at the last to beat Ages Of Man by four and a half lengths.

Telecon, a maiden winner at Ballinrobe last summer, was running for the first time since landing a leg of the Corinthian Challenge at Gowran Park in September.

Doyle has happy memories of this day having landed the Irish National race on 150/1 chance Freewheelin Dylan in 2021.

Winning trainer Mark Fahey said: “That's brilliant, he seems to be a bit stronger this year.

“Ricky gave him a great ride, we were blessed it was the first race as he does want a bit of decent ground. I was a little bit worried about that.

“We think highly of him and it's great to win it. Pat McCarthy is a local man and he's the best owner you could wish for, he really deserves it.

“He'll jump a fence in time, Ian McCarthy had him when he finished third in a point-to-point and highly recommended him to us.”

Quotes from Gary Carson