Tom Horn is certainly progressing along the right lines and he hit new heights by comfortably landing the T & V Novice Hurdle under Paul Carberry at Kilbeggan.

The Beneficial chestnut made virtually all and he was travelling better than any of his opponents from a fair way out. He could afford to be awkward and to the left at the final flight and still beat the well-backed favourite Presenting Nama by two and a half lengths.

Noel Meade trains Tom Horn for himself, Noel Meade Horse Trainer Limited and he said: "He stays the three miles very well. He's a very spooky horse though, he's afraid of everything, even the winning-post going by it.

"I had been a little bit disappointed with some of his runs and that good ground is probably a big help to him. I'm not sure now if we'll stay hurdling with him or go chasing.

"He's brilliant over fences and we may go chasing with him in the near future.

"The owner is a real nice fella!"

Tom Horn certainly has a pedigree to do well when sent over the larger obstacles, his dam, Lady Shackleton being a half-sister to Jamalade. He won four chases for Victor Bowens as well as a maiden hurdle and a bumper.