Ballyadam Brook put up a lovely performance, making all and hurdling well under Paul Townend to justify favouritism in the opening John O'Connell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Killarney.

The winning Alderbrook gelding, out of the mare Luna Fluer, who won nine races for Noel Meade, was chased by Hasartan up the straight but he was always holding that grey, crossing the line four lengths to the good. Market-rival to Ballyadam Brook, Rayhani had no more to offer from three out and he finished thirteen lengths back in third.

Terence O'Brien, who trains Ballyadam Brook, said: "We're delighted with that. He was knocked out (lame) for 3 weeks after winning in Sligo and I thought we were in trouble to be honest but he came right and he did his first bit of work back 2 weeks ago and sure he was fairly straight anyway.

"Paul said he gave a blow two out there but you'd expect that. He'll go for the two and a half mile novice at Galway on the Thursday if he is okay now. He has improved an awful lot considering we couldn't even get him to finish in a point-to-point at the start.

"There is no reason to think that he won't improve another bit still. He'll be entered in Galway on the Monday too."

Robbie Dunne, rider of the 8th placed Redera was banned for 5 days for making insufficient effort. Trainer of Redera, Tony Martin's explanations were noted.