Tsundoku stormed home up the hill to land the opening maiden hurdle at Downpatrick for mother and son team Mags and Danny Mullins. Twilight Shadow looked booked for victory in the 2m2f contest having claimed front-runner Carnduff two from home and gone clear after the last.

She was chased down in the closing stages by Tsundoku, however, who got up close home for a length-and-a-half success.

The winner was making her second start over hurdles having faded when sixth in heavy ground at Tramore on her last outing in December.

"She wants a little bit of an ease in it. Eddie Lynam sent her down to see if we could win a hurdle with her and we did,” said Mags Mullins.

“The first day we ran her it was absolutely horrendous in Tramore and we didn't get a run into her since . He's been great and very patient so I'm delighted I got it right for him.

"She jumped better - she's a little flat filly so they do need a run or two.

“She'll go back and win on the flat for them as well. We'll see how she is after this. We'll run it through Eddie and see what happens."

Tsundoku is owned by Aileen Lynam, wife of trainer Eddie.