Cillian’s Return got his hurdling career off to a winning start for new owner JP McManus when taking the Micheal Maher Building And Construction Services Maiden Hurdle at Tipperary.

The Diamond Green gelding boasted some top class bumper form for Bill Farrell including victory over subsequent Cheltenham-fifth Vigil at Fairyhouse but has now moved into the care of Tony Martin.

The 6/4 joint favourite’s jumping was far from fluent here but Mark Walsh’s mount overcame some sloppy leaps to eventually beat Poetic Lord by a comfortable three and a half lengths.

The other 6/4 joint favourite Patsio held every chance in the straight but could find no extra to finish a further length and a half back in third.

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said, “He has a bit to learn and rushed his hurdles a bit in schooling. Apart from a couple there he was okay.

“He’ll be kept going for a while but likes an ease, and will go for a winners of one if the ground is suitable. It was nice to get that out of the way.”

(TW & AM)