Darasso proved an able deputy for pre race favourite Thedevilscoachman when running out an impressive winner of the Grade 2 Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The JP McManus owned nine-year-old has long been a solid yardstick at this level and with fellow JP McManus owned Thedevilscoachman an absentee due to ground conditions, he stepped up to get the job done under Luke Dempsey.

The winning rider said; "it was very straighforward, we had a lovely position behind the leaders.

"I was probably in front a bit too soon but I didn't want to take him back.

"He has been a great horse for me; that two Grade 2's we have won now."

“He's a great horse, he turns up every day and runs his race. That's all you can ask for,” said Joseph O'Brien.

“He's a little bit short of Grade One level but all you can ask for is that they do their best and he's a joy to have around.

“Luke gave him a great ride, he has a great rapport with the horse.

“You can go two miles, three miles in a chase or hurdle and you kind of know what you are going to get with him. It's very unusual for a horse to be like that.

“Probably somewhere in the middle is his optimal but if there is a suitable race you can let him take his chance.

“I'm delighted for JP and Frank (Berry) and everyone to have a winner here this weekend, it's great.

“I'm not sure what's in Punchestown for him, we put him in the Champion Hurdle and he might sneak around there and see what happens.

“We'll see how he comes out of today, this race was the target.”