Mister First powered away to take the novice handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in great style.

Lord Multifix made a bold bid from the front in the two-and-a-half mile contest but was swept aside going to the last by Robbie Hennessy's charge.

Andrew Lynch's mount was soon in command and went on to record a nine-and-a-half length success over Peace In The West

The 5/1 winner (from 13/2) had failed to make the most of his lower timber mark on a couple of runs here last year but made no mistake today.

Forjoethepainter was sent off the 11/4 favourite to follow up his Christmas success at Limerick but could only finish a well-beaten fourth.

“Andrew knows him so well. He's a tricky horse to ride and you have to sit and sit,” said Hennessy.

“The horse deserves it more than anything. We'll probably go back over fences as there is a two-and-a-half mile handicap for him on Thyestes day at Gowran Park.

“The handicapper will give him a bit of a belt for that but I told Andrew if he hits the front not to stop.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)