There was a shock in the opening two mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse as Voices Of Spring won hard held at 12/1. Unic De Bersy was fully expected to do the business for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh as an SP of 4/11 favourite indicated. However, he dived at the fourth last hurdle and crashed out to an audible gasp from the crowd.

Paul Townend was motionless on board the strong-travelling Voices Of Spring after the second last as he cruised up on the inside of Cest Notre Gris Once he popped the last he coasted home without being asked a question.

Cest Notre Gris blotted his copybook with a slight mistake at the last in his futile bid to chase down the winner.

The winner scored by seven and a half lengths for trainer Tony Martin and owner Sheila Moffett. The runner-up was a 5/1 shot while Powersbomb gave each way punters a return in third at 10s.

Tony Martin said: "He was bought in November for Bill (Moffett) who is a long-time patron and he's done nothing but improve. He was a bit difficult when we got him, keen and free, and the hood was a big help today. He jumps well and has the makings of a nice horse."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee