Highandmighty took advantage of a good opportunity to land the Holycross Maiden Hurdle at Thurles.

This two-mile event was for horses who have run at least three times under rules and not finished in the first three but the Sean Byrne-trained gelding had shown his worth when winning twice between the flags at Killeagh and Nenagh earlier this year.

The 3/1 chance (available at 5/1 earlier in the day) got the better of 9/4 favourite Seskin Flyer between the final two flights, and Paddy Kennedy’s mount kept on well on the run-in to score by four and a quarter lengths. Pride Of Kildare (66/1) caught the eye when staying on late to take third another three and three quarter lengths adrift.

Byrne said, "He's a big horse and that's how he got his name. We're happy with him and he won two point to points and would stay further. That wouldn't be the strongest race and we'll go for a handicap now but he's a chaser really."

(TW & AM)