Dunboyne trained, ridden and owned by Co Meath men, made it third time lucky over flights, as he took the Holycross Maiden Hurdle.

Successful in a point-to-point for Sean Doyle at Tattersalls in October of last year, the son of Yeats subsequently changed hands for 60,000 pounds.

Second on his debut for Gordon Elliott at Navan, he again filled the runner-up spot on his most recent outing at Clonmel.

Sent off a 3/1 chance this afternoon, the six-year-old gelding was settled behind the leaders, improving to the front from two out.

He extended his advantage before the last and while Mercury Lane closed on the run-in, the winner had matters under control.

The runner-up was returned at 9/2 under Bryan Cooper for Paul Nolan, while Meticulous (12/1) was another two and a quarter lengths back in third.

Fais Tom Chemin was returned the 5/2 favourite but he pulled up quickly early on in the race.

Donoghue said afterwards: "It was a good performance - obviously he had two good runs over two miles and he was bought to be a three-mile chaser so it was nice to get a win out of the way over hurdles.

"The step up in trip helped and he will be a horse to look forward to over fences next year.

"His owner Stephen O'Connor sponsors me and is the Master of the Ward Union Hunt so we go back a long way. He was one of Gordon's first owners in the yard before Gordon even started training. They have a long association.

"Stephen's father died last week so this will be a good lift for him and his family."

STEWARDS REPORTS

S.D. Torrens, rider of Patriot Poet trained by P. Corcoran, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung severely left.

E. Walsh, rider of Ticking Tom trained by Patrick Magee, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

P. Townend, rider of Fais Ton Chemin (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up lame having struck into itself. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer confirmed the injury upon examination post race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes