Racecourse debutant Donkey Years (50s into 33/1 on course) was an easy seven length winner of the Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle with the 6/4 favourite Fag An Bealach in second place. Tecumseh Sherman (10/3) was three quarters of a length further back in third place.

The winner took over at the head of affairs jumping three out, and it was straightforward from that point on for Conor McNamara’s mount.

A five-year-old son of Robin Des Champs who cost 55,000 Euros as a foal at Tattersalls, Donkey Years is a half-brother to bumper and hurdles winner Simon Squirrel who was a fair type for Paul Nicholls a couple of years ago.

"it was a good performance and he did it well, said winning trainer Eric McNamara.

"We liked him a lot and while we didn't think he'd do that, he was showing us a lot at home and we like him.

"His dam is a sister to Rock On Ruby so is obviously well bred and he jumped great and travelled well and hopefully he has a future.

"He must have had niggly problems as he is a five year old going on six but I only have him for four or five months and he is a fine big good looking horse and is a good horse.

"I don't know where we go next but we'll find a winners' race for him somewhere. It is nice to have a nice horse."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes