Big Game Hunter justified his position as favourite for the Laganore Maiden Hurdle but only just under Niall 'Slippers' Madden. However he lost the race in the steward's room at Clonmel.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned son of Sadler's Wells took over from Smokey Joe Joe before the straight but he soon had a fair battle on as High Magic emerged as a danger travelling best.

Big Game Hunter drifted into High Magic before the last but the interference was minimal and on the run-in the Mouse Morris-trained head victor fought best. The result was amended after a steward's enquiry.

Morris commented afterwards that Big Game Hunter "wants a bit of a trip," whilst High Magic is trained by John O'Shea for Sean Foran.