Hot-pot Seader was made to work hard to land the odds in the Mayo Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.
The 4/7 favourite came off the bridle after the second last as Minella King took up the running.
Barry Geraghty 's mount looked to be struggling with the unique bend but once he got straightened up for home he chased down his rival.
Jessica Harrington 's charge got on top on the run to the line, scoring by a length-and-a-quarter.
"Everything was happening a shade too quick for him," said Geraghty afterwards.
"The hurdles were coming at him quicker than ideal. He's a smashing sort and is a two-and-a-half mile staying chaser in the making."
