Dark Raven maintained his unbeaten record when overcoming a lengthy lay-off to justify favouritism in the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The son of Malinas impressed in two bumper wins but has been sidelined since the spring of 2021.

The well-backed evens favourite was never too far from the pace and took control in the straight (final hurdle omitted due to the low sun) under Paul Townend to beat Doctor Bravo by three lengths.

The pair pulled 13 lengths clear of Clonshire River in third.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “He had setbacks last year and we decided to take the season off so he’s come back nicely this season. He looks to have an engine and jumps well enough.

“I’m very happy to see him doing it over the minimum trip as well. I hoping he’ll improve over further and it looked like he wasn’t stopping at the end anyway.”

Paddy Power and Betfair both cut the winner into 20/1 (from 33/1) for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham.