Jack Foley and Na Caith Tobac jump the last© Photo Healy Racing
Na Caith Tobac grabbed his first victory over jumps in the Corrigan's Ballintubber Stores Maiden Hurdle in Ballinrobe.
The former double winner on the Flat travelled well to lead narrowly before two out under 7lb-claimer Jack Foley but was soon stalked by Cullaghs Star who was responding to Sean Flanagan's urgings.
The pair went on coming to the last and there was very little in it as Na Caith Tobac was fractionally in front.
Cullaghs Star tried to get on terms on the long run-in, however, 10/3 Na Caith Tobac saw the 5/2 favourite off in the final 100 yards to score by two and a quarter lengths. April's Moon was five and a half lengths adrift in third at 7/2 from 15/2 in the morning.
Trainer Paul Flynn said: "He has been knocking on the door. I like using Luke (Dempsey) but we thought we needed to claim off of him to get over the line. That young lad is great value for his claim and he rode very cool and didn't panic at any stage. I was begging him to kick on but I'm glad he didn't, he did the right thing - I just wanted him to win!
"He will come back here next month for the four-year-old only handicap hurdle, that's kind of been his aim all year. Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him now."
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
