Kilclispeen avoids Emma Beag who fell at the second hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O'Brien's Kilclispeen saw off Barrack Street to land the spoils in the two mile seven maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.
Barry Geraghty, in the JP McManus silks, took over from the front-running Ultimate Horseman approaching the second last.
However, Barrack Street moved into second and disputed the lead as the pair came to the last. They were locked together on the uphill run-in but Kilclispeen found extra and edged ahead in the closing stages to win by half a length at 5/2.
The winner was popular in the betting ring as he was backed down from 100/30. Barrack Street was a 5/1 chance.
Barry Geraghty said: "He battled well. He's a grand sort who'll make a good staying type. He'll jump a fence."
This was a step up in trip for Kilclispeen and he was fitted with a tongue strap for the first time.
