Landofhopeandglory clears the last under Barry Geraghty© Photo Healy Racing
Barry Geraghty made it three from three at Fairyhouse, as he guided the Joseph O'Brien trained Landofhopeandglory to an impressive win in the Racing On New Years Day 3yo Maiden Hurdle.
A classy performer on the level, the gelding was making his debut over flights this afternoon, and was sent off the clear 10/11 favourite.
Having raced mainly in fourth he took closer order from three out, and cruised through to lead before the last. He never came off the bridle, and was eased down close home, with a length and a half the winning margin.
Stable mate Big Ben came through to take second under Mark Walsh at 7/2, while Alcander (25/1) was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Ger Fox for Fran Flood junior.
JP McManus was completing a quick double on the card (won the previous race with Irish Bulletin , and his racing manager Frank Berry said afterwards: "We're delighted with him. He was a bit novicey at a few and should learn a good bit. You could only be pleased.
"We were delighted with the second (also owned by McManus) and he'll come on from the run and learn a little bit.
"It probably wasn't the strongest race and you wouldn't want to get carried away but you can only be delighted.
"We'll take him home and see how he comes out of the race.
"That's the first two that we have (to run) and there are a few more to come although they haven't been off the ground yet so we'll see what happens down the road."
Barry Geraghty added: "He was good. He was a bit novicey early, but from halfway he was getting the hang of it. It comes easier to some than others, but he has a good jump.
"He came out of my hands at the one coming down from Ballyhack, which is a good sign, he was starting to measure it himself, and he was very good from there home. It was a good performance and hopefully he can build on it.
"He did very well on the flat, so if he can transfer than level of form to hurdles there should be plenty of fun with him. Not all horses can carry across flat form to hurdles, and it's so far so good with him.
"It's lively ground for a winter horse, and it'll be interesting to see how he copes with softer ground when he gets that."
Paddy Power make Landofhopeandglory the 12/1 favourite (from 16's) for the Triumph Hurdle, while Joseph O'Brien is now just 2/1 (from 5/2) to train the winner of the race.
Boylesports have introduced Landofhopeandglory at 16/1 for Triumph Hurdle.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
