The Lar Byrne trained American Flyer took the second race at Tipperary this afternoon, the Join the Tipperary Supporter's Club 2013 Maiden Hurdle, under seven pound claimer Kevin Sexton.

The son of Lord Americo was sent off at 8/1 and he led and disputed the lead throughout.

He was ridden to gain a decisive advantage approaching the last and stayed on well on the run-in to score by a length and three parts.

The Pat Doyle trained Zekarya kept on to take second at 7/1 under Davy Russell while Theshowisover was a further length and a half back in third at 12/1 for Henry De Bromhead and Phillip Enright. Peking To Paris was sent off the 9/4 favourite on his first start for Adrian Maguire but he jumped the fourth last slowly and weakened quickly from there, trailing in last of the ten finishers under Declan Queally.

Winning breeder Noel Dooly (son of winning owner Robert) said afterwards: "Things are back on track for the yard. They went two years without a winner.

"This fellow had his wind done since his last run and that has made all the difference.

"He jumps for fun and travelled well. He was entitled to win on his best form.

"He is a three parts brother to Atouchbetweenacara (Grade 2 winner over fences in the UK for Venetia Williams)."

Winning rider Kevin Sexton was recording his first success under National Hunt rules.

(On-course reporting by Thomas Weekes)