Pied Piper calls the tune under Russell

In all likelihood we saw two smart juveniles in the Join Tote.ie 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle with 16/5 chance Pied Piper just getting the better of the 4/9 favourite Vauban

Having tracked the leaders, Davy Russell (deputising for Jack Kennedy) let his mount stride on at the end of the back straight and was soon closely pursued by the market leader.

It was all to play for racing to the final flight where the winner held a narrow advantage and he was more fluent over it than the Mullins contender. Vauban kept on well on the run-in but Pied Piper held on to score by half a length with the pair well clear of the remainder.

The son of New Approach was successful twice on the Flat for John and Thday Gosden before being bought for 225,000 guineas at the Newmarket horses-in-training sale in October.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said: "He’s a nice horse and I think there is an awful amount of improvement in him. I couldn’t see him winning today and he hasn’t even been away from home.

“He jumped well and probably travelled a bit too well early. He loved the ground and is one to look forward to. He’s a big baby.”

Paddy Power and Betfair go 14/1 (first show) about the winner for the Triumph Hurdle.

Of the absent Kennedy, Elliott added: “Jack rode two lots out this morning and a horse jerked and his shoulder is a bit sore. He said he wouldn’t ride today and he’s probably 50-50 to ride on Sunday.”

Quotes from Alan Magee