Despite only having one iron from the second last Barry Geraghty still managed to get Exxaro (7/2) home in front in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle.

Having tracked the leader in second throughout the Henry De Bromhead trained victor hit the front before the third last and was soon ridden.

He made a slight mistake two out and Geraghty lost his right iron as a result. Credo Star them came through to gain a marginal lead but Geraghty was at his brilliant best aboard the winner and a good jump at the last proved decisive as he soon regained the lead before keeping on well on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter.

Credo Star (5/1) had to settle for second under Mark Walsh for Peter Fahey while the front-running 9/10 favourite Sandymount Duke finished a disappointing last under Robbie Power for Jessica Harrington.

Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "Barry said he put down at the second last but performed acrobatics to get back and that's why these lads are where they are.

"He is improving all the time but looked green at Tipperary and just needs to be told what to do.

"We'll stick to two and a half to three miles with him and Barry said that chasing will be his real forte.

"He'll probably have two more runs, possibly one at the Cheltenham October meeting, before Christmas and then will come back in the spring and go chasing this time next year."

Jonathan Burke, who is the retained rider for winning owners Ann and Alan Potts, is currently on his way to Australia to compete in the Jockeys Challenge.

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.M. Power, rider of Sandymount Duke trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and felt lifeless.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Sandymount Duke, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes