Paul Stafford saddled his first winner since February when Charger caused a 16/1 surprise under Conor Maxwell in the opening www.corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle.

The victorious son of Rock Of Gibraltar, bred by Cheveley Park and a winner on the level for Jeremy Noseda (bought by present connections for 20,000 guineas at Tattersalls in October 2009), held off the heavily-backed favourite High Cian by a neck.

The winning trainer said: "I thought this was one of his best chances ever to win but he has been disappointing overall.

"He had a wind-op after he ran in Downpatrick (back in May) and he was slow to come back to himself afterwards. He is no super star and that was badly needed.

"The flat track suited as he didn't really come under pressure here."