Action too strong for hotpot Alastor

20/1 shot Action Motion stayed on stoutly in the closing stages to turn over hotpot Alastor in the opening maiden hurdle at Cork this afternoon.

Willie Mullins' charge went to post a ¼ shot on his hurdling debut and all appeared to be going to plan after he jumped into the lead three from home.

The Denis Hogan-trained Action Motion gave chase before the penultimate flight and was a length down when the favourite made a mistake the last.

Daniel King conjured a strong run from the Gutaifan gelding to lead on the run-in and secure a half length win.

Action Motion was making his second outing over timber having shown some promise when seventh here last month.

"He had a lovely run here the last day and while I didn't think we'd beat the favourite, I was hoping he'd be in the first three or four,” said Hogan.

“We knew he had come on from his last run and he has the makings of a nice juvenile hurdler.

"He is still my own, is still in the shop window and I had a few lads looking at him so hopefully he will stay with me.

“We'll see where we are at and while I'm not sure how strong the race was if you take out the favourite, he could be a Fred Winter (Hurdle, at Cheltenham) type.

"The young fella on board is worth a free 5lb - he was good on the all-weather last night, is good over a fence and was good here today.

“He is a good horseman and is a good worker and the lad leading him up Sean Bowen is the same. I'm lucky to have them as well as the horse."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)