Lucky Max (7/2f) defied a 7lbs hike for a recent win when easily landing Cork's Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle today, providing jockey Jack Foley with a first winner for old boss trainer Sean Doyle.

The son of Maxios landed a morning-price gamble, scoring by a neck, at Clonmel last month and today, amongst 19 runners, won pulling-up on the run-in and beat runner-up Capture The Action by four lengths.

Afterwards Doyle, better known as a buyer-seller of point-to-pointers, said “he won very well and stepped forwards loads, having had a good blow at Clonmel.

“We found the right opportunity and they were a well exposed bunch. Jack said he was still plenty green and would improve again so we are delighted to have him and we'll go for somethign similar again.

“I didn't think he was going to do that today but I'd say he will improve loads and will definitely improve for a fence.

“It is great for Jack who did a year with us when he was young and didn't get many chances point-to-pointing but is a hell of a good fella and is a chap with a big future ahead of him.”