Maxxum never gave those supporters who took short odds an anxious moment when easily winning the Tynan's Bridge House Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

A big gamble when only second on his recent stable debut at Punchestown, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding recovered those losses in style here under Davy Russell.

Always travelling strongly just behind the leaders, Russell moved closer approaching two out, before coming through on the bridle to lead over the last. He barely needed to shake the reins in order to skip clear of rivals, winning like a horse with plenty up his sleeve.

A maiden hurdle winner for Eugene O'Sullivan at Clonmel last year, the winner looked a seriously well handicapped horse who could be up to defying whatever hike he incurs for this impressive performance.

Gordon Elliott said: "He'll step up from that there now. We'll have to look at something different the next day!

"We thought he would win the first day, he was just a bit unlucky in running. He's won today so it is great. He did (travelled like a dream).

"I'd say he is alright and there is a good one (race) in him."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham