Smart hurdler Jason The Militant made a winning reappearance on the Flat at Fairyhouse when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden in impressive fashion.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding won twice over hurdles last term including the Grade 2 Paddy Power Betting Shop Novice Hurdle at Naas but was easy in the market here following a break of over seven months.

Earlier quotes of around evens drifted right out to 3/1 by the off but the six-year-old had few worries throughout the mile and a quarter event.

Billy Lee oozed confidence as the son of Sans Frontieres struck the front early in the straight and asserted well over a furlong out.

He kept on strongly to beat Fil The Power by an easy three and a quarter lengths, with 6/4 favourite Silver Fox a further two and a half lengths back in third.

Lee said, “He’s a nice horse and we’ve seen what he can do over hurdles. He had that bit of class and travelled lovely.

“It was nice to get a lead on his first run back and when I gave him a squeeze off the bend he came up onto the bridle and I just nursed him home from there.

“Hopefully he’ll improve and we’ll see how he goes for the season.”