Stormyisland Ahead gained a timely victory ahead of a date in the sales ring when claiming the concluding maiden hurdle at Clonmel.
Mick Darcy was always confident on his charge after hitting the front three from home.
11/10 favourite Garlic Hill emerged as a danger at the penultimate flight but couldn't match his rival late on as Mags Mullins' charge eased clear for a four-and-a-half length victory.
"He wants good ground. He disappointed me a bit on soft so I said I'd leave him for better ground," said Mullins.
"He's in Doncaster sales next week. He's starting to come around nicely and I'm delighted with him.
"He'll jump a fence and is a super jumper."
