Cruden and Donagh Meyler © Photo Healy Racing
Having rather lost his way on the Flat of late, the Jessica Harrington trained Cruden made a welcome return to form when landing the opening Mallow 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
Having his first start over jumps, the 77-rated Flat horse was sent off 11/1 under Galway Plate winning jockey Donagh Meyler.
A maiden winner at Limerick in May, the Time Test gelding had finished nearer last than first in three subsequent starts.
However, switching disciplines here, the gelding travelled well on the heels of the leaders before moving up to challenge entering the straight.
Going a close third after three out, the eventual winner headed leader Action Plan approaching the last, before finding plenty for pressure to hold the persistent challenge of runner-up Star Runner by a head.
Donagh Meyler said: "My horse had a look around in front more than anything and I rode with hands and heels plenty far enough away from the winning line. He got there well and was very professional throughout. I thought I was holding the runner-up all the way to the line.
"We had gone a nice honest gallop and it turned into a nice race and being my horse's first time running over hurdles, hopefully can go on now and win again."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
