Noel Meade and Paul Carberry got the New Year off to a good start when Kandari justified odds-on favouritism in the opening maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The well-supported 4/9 (from 4/6) favourite was given a typically patient ride by Carberry, cruising up to the leaders after two out.

However the French import needed to be pushed out on the run-in to shrug off the challenge of Gentleman Jeff by four lengths.