Champion Hurdle entry Tolpuddle scraped home on his jumping debut at Cork.
The classy Flat recruit cruised into the lead before the second last in the Millstreet Maiden Hurdle and looked to have the measure of 20/1 shot Fools Rush In.
Billy Lee needed to get serious with the Tommy Stack-trained gelding after the last, however, and he had to pull out all the stops to prevail by a head.
Fozzy Stack, assistant to his father, said afterwards: 'We weren't so much worried about his jumping - more his fitness.'
'The only reason he was entered in the Champion Hurdle was because so many were coming out and we thought if any more came out it might be worth running. The plan is the Supreme Novice.'
He was given a quote of 20/1 by Cashmans for the novice contest at Cheltenham while Boylesports were less impressed and go 33/1.
Owner Patsy Byrne sponsors a novice hurdle at Punchestown on February 5th and that may be the winner's next port of call while the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran Park (18th) is another option.
Kevin Coleman took the riding honours on the day courtesy of a double on Mise En Place and Castle Hope.
Mise En Place cruised to victory in the Rathduff Mares Novice Hurdle under a confident ride from Coleman.
John Morrison's mare hit the lead before the last and was hard held to beat Ballylough Lady by seven lengths.
Coleman completed the brace when Castle Hope came with a storming late run to lead at the last and claim the Mitchelstown Handicap Hurdle by three-and-a-half lengths from Keepakicker.
Over The First was also produced late by David Casey when claiming the opening Blackwater Hurdle by two lengths from Joueur D'Estruval.
The Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle produced a thrilling finish with Max Time prevailing by half a length from Lagudin while Heron Marsh caused a 25/1 shock when claiming the bumper by ten lengths.
