Persian City so unfortunate when brought down at Clonmel two runs back and runner-up to a smart sort last time, got off the mark on his fourth attempt over flights in the Oyster Group Maiden Hurdle.

Paul Townend was aboard the Willie Mullins-trained joint favourite and he got the better of his market-rival, Shirley Casper away from the last, going on to prevail by two lengths.

Mullins commented: "I'm delighted with that. We'll look for a nice novice or winners of one at Christmas now. We were worried about the ground today but he is improving all the time." (EM)