Carrig Sam showed his battling qualities to take the honours in the first race in Ireland of the new year - the two and a half mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.

He faced a stern challenge from Glen Wyllin at the second last and a mistake there did him no favours. Hubrisko was pitching in third on the outer at this stage but couldn't go with the leaders coming to the final flight.

Carrig Sam was soon back into stride after that mistake and took a definite lead over the last which he jumped much better.

Glen Wyllin tried to take aim at him on the run-in but Donagh Meyler drove the leader home by two and a quarter lengths at 12/1. The runner-up went off at 9/4. Hubrisko, the 5/6 favourite, was another four and a half lengths back in third.

Trainer Arthur Moore said: “I'm very pleased with him. We liked him a lot at home but he just lacked a bit of pace so that's why I said to Donagh to jump out there and if nothing else went on, go on upsides.

“He's very much a chaser in the making so it's a bonus to win a hurdle. He's a joy to train, he has a lovely temperament and it's lovely to train a winner for Noel Monaghan. That's the second winner for him and his syndicate.

“It's lovely to be back in the winners' enclosure at Fairyhouse.

“He'll struggle to win a hurdle again this year, I'd say, but we'll run him a couple more times for experience and then go chasing next year.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson