It was a day of shocks at Cork with three odds-on shots getting turned over at the Mallow track.
Mossbank was sent off 8/11f to enhance his reputation in the Eagle Star EBF Novice Hurdle but found Laetitia half a length too good on the testing ground.
Michael Hourigan's gelding jumped to the lead three out in the Listed event but soon came under pressure and was mastered by Laetitia between the final two flights.
'We bided our time with her as we were a bit worried about getting the trip but she's tough as well as good,' said winning trainer Charles Byrnes.
Byrnes had been out of luck in the opener when Alpha Royale failed to justify his skinny price of 1/4f.
Francis Flood's Pom Flyer led at the third last and always had too much for the odds-on shot, going on to score by two lengths.
'The slow pace suited as stamina was a worry. We may enter him for the Pierse Hurdle,' revealed Francis Flood jnr.
Lakil House (4/6f) was well backed in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle but had to settle for second after Kit Carson sprinted clear two out for an easy three-length win.
Conor O'Dwyer, who had partnered Mossbank, did carry the Gigginstown House Stud colours to victory when the Mouse Morris-trained Rockview Lad ran out a cosy winner of the Newmarket Maiden Hurdle.
Robbie McNamara partnered his first winner over hurdles when giving Lala Nova a polished ride in the Charleville Handicap Hurdle.
Favourite backers got some reprieve in the bumper when 13/8f Crackin' Liss made an impressive debut for John Kiely.
