Mount Benbulben opened his account over timber with the minimum of fuss when taking the Cashel Maiden Hurdle in great style at Thurles.

Gordon Elliott 's charge had suffered a mishap on his hurdling debut at Galway when slipping up but things were straight forward this time for the 1/2 favourite.

Paul Carberry held his mount up in the early stages before taking closer order on the top bend.

The Barry Connell-owned Beneficial gelding challenged at the second last and cruised into the lead before the final flight.

Carberry could afford to look around on the run-in as he cantered to a two-and-a-half length success over Golanbrook

"It was a messy race at Galway the last day and he didn't really settle," said Elliott.

"Paul did a good job of settling him today. He's a good horse.

"He'll probably go to Navan for the (Grade 2) Monksfield Novice Hurdle (27th November) and he'll probably get an entry for the Royal Bond as well.

"He's a proper stayer and the further he goes the better he will be."