The Joseph O'Brien-trained Thermistocles made a winning start in handicap company with a convincing success at Clonmel this afternoon.

The Oscar gelding had been placed twice in maiden hurdles and stepped up to three miles for the first time in the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle.

JJ Slevin produced his mount to challenge before the second last and the 5/1 shot kicked on before the last.

He galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a four-and-a-half length winning margin over Odit

"He had a good run behind Dortmund Park last year and it was his first handicap run today and was a good bit of placing by Joseph and he did it well,” said Slevin afterwards.

"The owner (his cousin Sarah O'Brien) is at work and Joseph is at home, he's busy and we're going schooling three year olds afterwards, so I'm running off to do that.

"Joseph has been unbelievable to me and has given me a massive amount of support and Ken Whelan is a great agent."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)