Elcanos the subject of a massive gamble when unseating rider at the last at Wexford way back on St Patrick's Day in 2007 and without success in ten outings over hurdles, set the record straight for the in-form Tony Martin stable at Fairyhouse. Robbie Moran did the steering on Elcanos, victorious in the Ian Smith Novice Handicap Hurdle.

Twice a winner on the level in his native Germany back in 2006, Elcanos left recent form well behind him as he led before the last and pulled clear on the run-in to comfortably beat Catleen by six lengths.

Tony Martin said: "He's had a lot of problems. He could have been a good horse when he was younger. He's been very unlucky but I am delighted for his owner, Donal Houlihan from Maynooth, a farming man and one of life's gentlemen."