The Oliver McKiernan-trained Gatsby Grey quickened away to claim the rated novice hurdle at Naas in some style.

Barry Browne held his mount up in the two-miler before taking closer order turning for home on the 5/1 shot.

The French-bred gelding led before the second last and was asked for his effort on touching down over that flight.

He soon opened up from his rivals and despite fiddling the last went on to record a comprehensive 15-length success over Ballykeel

The winner was taking a class in grade having failed to land a blow in Grade 3 company at the venue earlier in the month.

McKiernan said:- “We threw him in the deep end the last couple of times but he showed nothing. It can only be the ground so we’ll keep him on good ground.

“Barry was a bit under pressure during the race but when he gave him a squeeze away he went. He really travelled to the line.

“I’ve no real plans. That was a bit of a surprise.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)