The opening maiden hurdle in Limerick proved to be a formality for 1/8 favourite Ciel De Neige

Jody McGarvey 's mount had a pair of placed efforts in Grade 3 handicap hurdles in his locker which saw him go off at prohibitive odds to account for his rivals.

He travelled strongly in third after the third last and eased his way into the lead approaching the second last.

McGarvey was still motionless as the 'jolly' took a few lengths out of his pursuers coming to the last. The pair popped it well and sauntered home by a more than comfortable two and a quarter lengths for Willie Mullins. Castle Town House (80/1) finished second by half a length from 250/1 chance Street Value

McGarvey said: "He won easy but was entitled to to that with his rating and jumped and travelled super, and put it to bed in the straight. He was a good horse in an ordinary race.

"Frank (Berry) and JP (McManus) will make plans but I'd imagine he'll go back to the handicap route now."

Mullins added: "He eventually got his head in front. He did what he was asked to do.

“He's just a horse that makes life hard on himself. Hopefully he can go on now and progress from that.”

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes