The switch back to hurdles proved just the trick for Watch House Cross who made all under Rachael Blackmore in the valuable Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle at Naas.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding won a maiden hurdle last term at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting but didn’t take to fences this season and was soundly beaten at Cork last month.

However, the 18/1 shot enjoyed life out in front here and after asserted early in the straight needed to really tough it out in the closing stages when just holding on by a short-head from Vina Ardanza Lucky Max was just three quarters of a length back in third with Carrig Rock completing the places in fourth.

De Bromhead said, “Rachael was brilliant and kept filling him up.

“We were trying to find a bit of form again. I was dreaming about him over fences and he just didn’t take to them at all so it was lovely to see him go out and do that. I’m delighted for Rory (Kelleher) and the Sunday Racing Club.

“He loved it out in front. I’m not sure where he will go next but there are plenty of good handicaps and we may look at the Pertemps Qualifier at Christmas.”

Blackmore and De Bromhead were completing a double on the afternoon having earlier been on the mark with Hiddenvalley Lake in a maiden hurdle.