Sam’s Choice defied topweight when produced with a sustained challenge in the straight by Jack Kennedy to land the Irish Daily Star Christmas Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding, available at 12/1 this morning and sent off an 8/1 chance, won a Clonmel bumper last year but was a beaten favourite a few times in maiden hurdles this year.

The six-year-old struck the front soon after the last and kept on well to beat Gali Flight by two and three quarter lengths with Music Of Tara finishing best of all the same distance further back in third.

The front-running Building Bridges completed the places in fourth.

Elliott said, “In fairness Jack said to run him in a big field. He followed them around and it worked out well.

“He stays that trip well and I’d say he could step up further.”

Paddy Power and Betfair introduced the winner at 40/1 for the Coral Cup and 33/1 for the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival.