Woodland Opera, white cap, battles Peregrine Run© Photo Healy Racing
Woodland Opera enjoyed his crack at an extended three miles in the Irwins Bakeries Hurdle at Down Royal.
Jessica Harrington 's charge fought out the spoils with 6/4 favourite Peregrine Run and edged ahead on the run-in. He was driven out to score by three parts of a length at 5/1.
Jockey Robbie Power said: "We went out with the intention that he either gets the trip or he doesn't. We weren't gonna ride him for speed, all he does is stay and he toughed it out real well and when I needed him at the last two for two good jumps he gave them to me.
"As soon as we landed over the last I thought I had the second horse (Peregrine Run) beat. It rode a good race and plenty of decent horses in it.
"He can do everything - he can go hurdling, chasing. I don't think at this stage of his career he likes big, competitive handicaps. There are plenty of races for him. It opens up loads of options for us now - anywhere from two and a half to three is an option for him."
