Bally Longford showed the benefit of his hurdle debut over course and distance last month when taking division one of the maiden hurdle at Clonmel in very convincing fashion.

A bumper winner at Downpatrick back in April, the five-year-old gelding was well-supported here on track from 7/4 into 11/8 favourite.

Andrew Lynch’s mount tracked the leaders until sent on before the straight and quickly settled the issue before two out.

He kept on really well to beat the always prominent Aces And Kings (16/1) by six and a half lengths, with Spot Fine (6/1) a further six lengths away in third.

Gary Davies, assistant to trainer Willie Mullins, said, “Andrew said he settled better today than the last day, and he was going so well that he let him off going down the hill. He should make a nice jumper as he was also placed in a point-to-point.”

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy