Varna Gold (9/2) continued Keith Donoghue’s good run of form (17th winner of the season) when taking the KillarneyRaces.ie 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle.

Settling into a good rhythm tracking the leaders, the gelding by Australian-bred sire Shooting to Win led before two out and eased clear to defeat At War (5/2) by nine lengths, with Belgoprince (7/1) another length and three quarters back in third.

Evens favourite On Guard led from an early stage but was very green at his hurdles, wandering and having a good look at them particularly on the first circuit. He faded into fourth in the end.

The winner has placed form on the Flat and was runner-up to the useful Longclaw on his second hurdles start at Down Royal before tipping up at the final flight when booked for third at Punchestown last week.

Winning trainer Paul Gilligan said: "He has improved with every run and it was a pity the last day when he came down as he was booked for third.

"Going down to the last today I was hoping he wouldn't do anything silly or miss but he picked up and quickened well. It would have been nice if one of our own lads had ridden him but Keith (Donoghue) gave him a great ride.

"It's great for Gay and Dymphna Keeley (owners) and Gay rang me one day to see if there was any horse for sale around and this horse was bought from Andrew Lynch (jockey). Andrew is a good buddy of mine and he recommended him for selling.

"He is versatile ground-wise and I'd say he'll go on soft ground. The job is done with him now and we'll see what happens."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes