Racing on the slowest surface he'd encountered to date, High Expectations proved up to the task under David Mullins (fourth winner of a career quickly burgeoning as a pro) in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Naas.

This was an eventful two miler as up the straight we lost three of them, but in the end High Expectations came through on the inner and ended up fending off Good As Gold by half a length. Moreece one of the joint favourites, was still there with every chance when departing two out. All About Alfie and Lethal Weapon (unfortunately a fatality) meanwhile, were beaten when coming down at the last.

"David gave him a good ride. I'd say it wasn't a great race and he got a good four-year-old allowance," said winning trainer Gordon Elliott.

"We won the race for Martin (Wasylocha, winning owner) a few years ago (Szabo's Destiny) and the plan was to come back again for it." (GC & EM)