The J P McManus-owned Ballyburke overcame a ten months spell on the sidelines to take the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Maiden Hurdle in convincing fashion.
The seven-year-old's task was greatly eased in the absence of four of his rivals, notably likely favourite Not For Converting, but he made the most of the opportunity under David Casey.
The Philip Rothwell-trained 11/10 favourite took over from the front-running Offaly Allstar before three out, and was well in control approaching the last to record a four and three quarter length victory over Kildare Blowin (6/1) with Think Alive (16/1) soundly beaten in third.
Rothwell said, “This horse got very sick last season when my horses were not right, and we decided to leave him off as he's a winter horse. When we brought him back in August he still wasn't right but the owner has been hugely supportive.
“The plan now is to go chasing, and he will come back in two weeks time for a beginners chase at Navan.”
