Owner JP McManus had a quick double in Gowran Park when If Not For You kept on well to take the second race, the two and a half mile maiden hurdle.

The 3/1 shot was always to the fore alongside Akorakor before taking over the lead before the second last. Moores Road improved to dispute the lead with him jumping the last, but close to home If Not For You pulled out more for a neck success from the 15/8 chance.

Akorakor was the 7/4 favourite, but once headed on the home bend he kept on at the same pace for fourth.

Trainer Edward Harty said: “It's nice to get off the mark for the season. It's been slow but we've had nothing to run because of the ground.

“He's always been a good jumper, he won a point-to-point, and he winged the last and went about his business. He battled well.

“Where we go now I don't know but it's nice to be here today. He's won his point-to-point so he'd have no problem going chasing whenever we decide to go that route.”

Jockey Mark Walsh added: “His jumping won it for him. He winged the last and Barry’s missed it. He heard Barry’s horse coming back at me and in fairness to him he stuck his head down and galloped to the line.

“He should be a nice chaser in time over three miles.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson