Butch Cassidy, near side, gets the better of Sermandzarak© Photo Healy Racing
Butch Cassidy outgunned Sermandzarak after a pulsating battle in the Sebden Steel Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown.
The winner brought up a quick-fire double for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O'Keeffe after the victory of Its Bilbo in race one on the card.
Sermandzarak, last season's Goffs Defender Bumper hero at this track, went off 2/1 favourite for his hurdling debut with Butch Cassidy just behind him at 3/1 on his first go over flights.
Sermandzarak held a narrow advantage over both Easter Legend and Butch Cassidy two out and Eastern Legend was the first to crack as the other pair soon went on straightening for home.
The leader tried to put his rival away before the last, but Butch Cassidy was nothing if not game and tough on the inner.
He rallied well inside the final furlong and ground it out by half a length from the runner-up. Shuffle The Deck (3/1) was five lengths adrift in third.
De Bromhead said: “He’s a lovely big horse and a real chaser in the making. He has loads of size and scope and he gallops.
“He’s big and raw and we felt whatever he did today, that he’d improve. He has a good attitude.
“I didn’t get a schooling hurdle into him which I would have liked, but his jumping improved as the race went on.
“Darragh was brilliant on him and delighted to get a winner for the Magniers who are fantastic supporters.”
Paddy Power gave Butch Cassidy a first show of 33/1 for the Turners Novices' Hurdle.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
