The Storyteller looks a staying novice of some substance after taking the W T O’Grady Memorial EBF Novice Hurdle in fine style at Thurles.

The 5/2 chance was recording his third victory in the space of eight months, and appreciated the step up to an extended two and three quarter miles.

Jack Kennedy ’s mount struck the front at the second last and stayed on strongly to beat 6/5 favourite Battleford whose jumping was far from fluent, by nine lengths. Wishmoor was another ten lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said, “He jumps and he gallops. We’ll see where we go from here whether he’ll go for a handicap or stay the novice route.

“The owners like to go to Cheltenham, so more than likely he will go for something over there. I’m not sure if he will go for something before that.

“This might not be his ideal track as he was flat out early, and a more galloping track would suit him better.”

Paddy Power introduced the winner at 25/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle.