Percy Veer who was sent off the outsider of the field at 25/1, sprang a big surprise in the opener at Limerick, the Listed Dunraven Hotel Adare Novice Hurdle.

A four time winner on the level in the UK for Sylvester Kirk, the son of Sir Percy was bought by current connections for just 8,000 guineas at Tattersalls last October.

Without a win in his first seven starts here, the Eric McNamara trained chestnut finally made the breakthrough at Listowel last month, but stepping up in class today he was expected to struggle.

In rear for much of the race under Davy Russell, he took closer order down the back straight, and got to the front before the second last.

He was soon challenged by Calie Du Mensil, but quickly had the measure of that rival, going on to score comfortably by three lengths.

The aforementioned Calie Du Mensil, who was backed from 7s to 4s on-course and from 12s this morning, had to settle for second under Rachael Blackmore for Willie Mullins.

Mullins also saddled the 5/4 favourite Getareason (from 9/10), and he finished a disappointing fourth.

McNamara said afterwards: "He (Davy Russell) gave him a great ride and made up his mind for him going up the back the second time.

"He takes a good strong ride and Paul (Townend) was very good on him at Listowel the last day and when he wasn't available, I wanted to get someone like that to ride him.

"It was definitely a career best for the horse and he is improving and stays really well. He probably outstayed them today and is a horse to look forward to.

"He wouldn't want the ground too heavy but the Dorans Pride Hurdle back here over Christmas would be an obvious race for him. There's no reason why he won't jump a fence in time either."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Air Supremacy, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have sustained a wound to the lateral aspect of his left fore, under his knee.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes