Darby's Turn was rumored to be useful prior to making his debut for Robert Tyner in a bumper at this meeting a year ago (finished third in that winners' event that went to Copper Bleu) but things haven't really developed along expected lines for the six-year-old since then.

However on his eighth start, under Emmet Mullins, the 33/1 shot got the better of Sports Line by a short head in the Blackwater Maiden Hurdle, though the result might have been different had Paul Townend not lost his stick on the latter on the run-in.

The Pistolet Bleu gelding is now with Henry de Bromhead, who said: "I'm surprised but I'm stunned he was that price. He blew his brains the last day, he is a fizzy horse and he'd had three quick runs in November. His effort two runs back here was a great run and the change of tactics helped (closer to the pace today). We have no plans from here."