Sparky Stowaway opened his account when justifying some support in the Cardinal Capital Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Trained by Tom Mullins for his wife Helen, the Stowaway gelding was backed earlier in the day from 16/1 into 10/1 for this 26-runner 2m2f event.

The five-year-old travelled well to lead before the last under American-based Sean McDermott, and kept on well on the run-in to beat Banksoftheshannon by a length. Toor General was over four lengths further back in third, with Miss Sassie staying on to complete the places in fourth.

Mullins said, “He got there handily enough. I suppose the better ground helped and, at this stage of his career, this is a better trip for him.”