Landrake is ridden out by Jack Kennedy to beat Corbetts Cross © Photo Healy Racing
Despite proving easy-to-back, Landrake saw it out best in the opener at Clonmel, the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.
Placed on three of his four previous starts, the Gordon Elliott trained bay was installed the 9/4 market leader in early shows for this extended two-mile, three furlong contest.
The son of Martaline surprisingly drifted out to a starting price of 9/2 though and he was soon settled in second by Jack Kennedy.
On what was his debut over flights, the bay victor jumped well in the main and improved into a share of the lead approaching the second last.
Soon ridden, he gained a narrow lead before the final flight and despite a slight mistake there he battled on gamely to prevail by a length and a quarter.
.Corbetts Cross (4/1), who travelled best approaching two out, ultimately had to settle for second under Maxine O'Sullivan for her father Eugene, while the well-backed Potters Cross (4s early, returned the 13/8 favourite) was another five-and-a-half lengths back in third.
Lisa O'Neill, representing Elliott, said: "He has definitely improved for the jump in front of him and the step up in trip. He will appreciate further in time and went through the ground really well - Jack was happy he handles it.
"He is a nice prospect for the future and you'd imagine he will take a step forward from today as well. Hopefully there will be more to come."
The winner is owned by Caldwell Construction Ltd and is out of a half-sister to 2016 Grand National hero Rule The World and Grade 2 victor Venalmar .
STEWARDS REPORT
T. Ryan, rider of Glenvara Lady trained by Donal Commins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a few mistakes during this race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
