Aleander Severus, an eye-catcher on his debut over the course at Christmas, finished strongly to land the Frank Conroy Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Ridden off the pace, Alexander Severus was lucky to avoid trouble when the favourite Time Electric fell four flights from home and despite looking somewhat green when asked for his effort after the last he quickened in the style of a decent recruit.

Winning trainer Edward O'Grady said: It is nice to win the race named in honour of one of my favourite owners. This horse was sold as a yearling by his son and I bought him at the Goffs Arc sale for ?75,000 as a 3-y-o.'

'He is a possible for the Fred Winter Handicap at Cheltenham, but will need another run to qualify.'