Pineau De Re put some decent rivals in their place when running out a convincing winner of the Premier County Hurdle at Thurles.
Philip Fenton 's charge had been Grade 2 placed at the course as a novice last season but had a good bit to find with some of his rivals at the weights in the conditions event.
Plenty held chances at the second last in the 2m6f event and although Brian O'Connell's mount left his hind legs in the flight he was soon challenging.
Barry Connell's gelding took over from Berties Dream at the final flight and galloped on strongly on the run-in.
15/8 favourite Rigour Back Bob ran on to take second but could only get within two lengths of Pineau De Re.
The 6/1 winner tuned up for this with a run on the Flat at Navan earlier this month but Fenton felt that he would improve from today's outing:-
"That was a pleasant surprise. I felt he might have been a little short today fitness wise.
"He was up against it against higher rated horses. We'll stay over hurdles and go for some of those nice staying races."
