The Gordon Elliott trained, Gigginstown House Stud owned General Principle made a winning hurdles debut when justifying 2/5 favouritism in the Nobber Maiden Hurdle at Navan today.

The son of Gold Well, ridden by Bryan Cooper today, had previously won his point-to-point and bumper before finishing 11th in the 2015 Cheltenham Bumper.

Following today's win Elliott stated “he's got a fair engine but up until Christmas we never had a clean run with him. He was just getting pulled muscles and little things.

“We were happy with him today and Bryan said he would come on a lot. He never came out of second gear and hopefully he's okay after that.

“I think a step up in trip will suit and we might look to Fairyhouse with him.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson