Burren Life proved a frustrating sort in bumpers last term but the switch to hurdles this season has really paid off and he added to a Roscommon maiden win by landing the INH Stallion Owners EBF Rated Novice Hurdle at Thurles.

Jack Kennedy sent the 9/10 favourite to the front three out and the five-year-old gelding quickly asserted after the second last.

Gordon Elliott ’s charge was in command from before the final flight and beat the always prominent Mary Frances by an easy 11 lengths. Nellie Pledge kept on at one pace another six lengths away in third.

Kennedy said, "He's a grand horse who would be better over a fence. He jumped and travelled great and did it very easily in the end. He's very straightforward and you can ride him from anywhere.

"He can go further and he'll definitely be a nicer horse in time when he jumps a fence."

(TW & AM)