Benbulben off the mark over timber

Mount Benbulben opened his account over timber with the minimum of fuss when taking the Cashel Maiden Hurdle in great style at Thurles.

Gordon Elliott 's charge had suffered a mishap on his hurdling debut at Galway when slipping up but things were straight forward this time for the 1/2 favourite.

Paul Carberry held his mount up in the early stages before taking closer order on the top bend.

The Barry Connell-owned Beneficial gelding challenged at the second last and cruised into the lead before the final flight.

Carberry could afford to look around on the run-in as he cantered to a two-and-a-half length success over Golanbrook

"It was a messy race at Galway the last day and he didn't really settle," said Elliott.

"Paul did a good job of settling him today. He's a good horse.

"He'll probably go to Navan for the (Grade 2) Monksfield Novice Hurdle (27th November) and he'll probably get an entry for the Royal Bond as well.

"He's a proper stayer and the further he goes the better he will be."