Deal d’Estruval was strong in the betting starting off for Susannah and Rich Ricci and Willie Mullins and he delivered in the Curran South East Cleaners Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.

The former French runner had form figures of 432 and here the ex Guillaume Macaire horse had to work hard before he eventually mastered pace-setter Eamon High by three parts of a length.

Deal d’Estruval and Eamon High left 100/1 chance Kingsteel twenty one lengths back in third.

"It's such hard work out there and he grounded it out. He jumped like a chaser, and his future is probably over fences," stated Townend.

(DM & EM)