A maiden winner over 2m4f at Punchestown last month, the 8/11 favourite Cool Survivor successfully stepped up to three miles in the Paddy´s Reward Club EBF Novice Hurdle.

The Westerner gelding led from flagfall but Granny Lowrie looked a threat in the straight before a costly error two out. From that point Jack Kennedy's mount stayed on best to account for that rival by two lengths with the pair well clear of the remainder.

Ian Amond, assistant to winning trainer Gordon Elliott, said: "The step up in trip suited and he took the step up in grade in his stride. Obviously the ground is bad enough but Jack said he got through it. He is a nice horse who is going the right way and will have to step up again in grade somewhere down the line.

"He will be a fine horse for fences but that is a while away yet."

Quotes from Tom Weekes