The Liam Cusack-trained Our Boy Rocky galloped on strongly in the closing stages to open his account in the two-mile-three maiden hurdle at Thurles.

Having been keen early the Doyen gelding went on at the fourth flight, under Richie Deegan.

The 2/1 joint-favourite was asked for an effort after the second last and stuck on well in the closing stages to record a three-and-three-quarter length win over the other market leader Roxhill Roise

Our Boy Rocky was making his third career start, having been sixth on debut here in November and fifth at Limerick over Christmas.

"He is a fine horse, he had two nice runs in maiden hurdles and came out of Limerick well,” said Cusack.

“I saw this race where he was getting allowances from bumper winners and while the other horse (morning favourite St Cuthberts Cave) came out, I was hopeful either way.

"We like him, he jumps great and Richie gave him a nice positive ride.

"He is fragile mentally so will let him learn his job. He is a novice until December so we'll see how he progresses and he could possibly jump fences next season."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)