Mikey Fogarty got his professional career off to the best possible start when successful aboard Paudi The Punter in the O’Leary Insurances Handicap Hurdle.

The 23-year-old rode out his claim in the amateur ranks, and was having his first ride here as a professional on the surprise 20/1 winner.

The Ger Lynch-trained gelding led approaching the final flight, and was driven out by Fogarty on the run-in to beat Jack The Hat by a length. Cyras Love was a further half-length back in third, with Valours Minion completing the placings in fourth.

A delighted Fogarty, who incidentally rode the then Conor O’Dwyer-trained Paudi The Punter to win a bumper at Navan a few seasons back, said, “I’ll ride at 10st7lb and at the moment I’m riding out for all the trainers in the south-east. I’m also riding out a few days with Willie Mullins, and with anyone else that will have me!”

Ger Lynch said, “I have to I thank a vet, Declan Gill, who is local to me and has worked wonders with him and turned the horse inside out. His shoulders were all caught up and I also got his teeth done.

“He jumped great today, and Mikey gave him a lovely ride. He’s been lucky for me, and rode Letter of Credit in the past.”

It was also a memorable victory for owner Michael Mee, from Kilrickle in Co. Galway, who was enjoying his first winner after 30 years of trying.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes