Duke Cass was different class to his rivals in the rated novice hurdle at Limerick.

Johnny Barry sent him clear of his rivals before the second last and Karl Thornton's charge galloped on relentlessly to seal a victory by five and a half lengths.

Johnny Barry said of the 7/4 favourite: “He jumped and travelled great, and loves that ground. I’d say he could go for something similar. He’s a fine big horse but is only four and will make a nice chaser some day.” Tinos Tank took the runner-up berth at 11/4 with the gambled-on Hughies Bay (16/1 to 7/1) a further 14 lengths away in third.

This was Barry's second double under rules having with the other brace coming at Clonmel in September.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee