Sword Swoops for Victory

Sword Fish opened his account at the third time of asking in a heart-stopping renewal of the paddypowerbingo.com 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle as day two of Leopardstown's Christmas meeting got under way.

Five of the 17 runners came down in unison early on including the well-fancied Big Game Hunter and it was Ruby Walsh aboard Secant Star who forged clear off the turn to hold a handy advantage at the final flight.

Willie Mullins' import crumpled on landing though, and hampered winner-in-waiting Save My Blushes when scrambling to his feet.

Their coming together left the way clear down the outside for Tony McCoy to drive 3-1 favourite Sword Fish into the lead and the JP McManus-owned juvenile was four lengths clear of Firm Foundations crossing the line, with Save My Blushes third.