The maiden hurdle for colts and geldings saw Minella Sixo (11/10 fav) make a successful Rules debut under Jack Kennedy.

A point-to-point winner for John Nallen at Loughrea in May, the Shantou five-year-old raced in second before jumping to the front two out and stayed on well to beat Banana Three by a comfortable eight lengths.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said: “He’s a nice horse and Jack said there is plenty of improvement in him.

“That ground is as quick as he wanted. He might not be a horse for the depths of winter but he’s one that we’ll have a bit of fun with.

“Sierra Pacific are owners from America and Pioneer Racing are also involved.”

Quotes from Alan Magee