Runfordave may have booked his ticket for next month’s Cheltenham Festival after recording his third win this term by justifying prohibitive odds in the opening Munster Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Stowaway gelding, previously successful in a Down Royal bumper and Fairyhouse maiden hurdle this season, was sent off the red-hot 2/9 favourite.

Jack Kennedy ’s mount held a couple of lengths advantage when nearest pursuer Ben Dundee made a mistake at the last, and he galloped on strongly to beat that rival by 11 lengths.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott’s assistant Olly Murphy said, "He was entitled to do that, is improving the whole time and has a good attitude.

"They hacked around and he wants 2m4f plus, and Jack said he'd be better on better ground.

"He could run in the Coral Cup or boys' race (Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys) at Cheltenham, and anything he does this year is a bonus as he'll be a lovely horse for next year.

"I'd imagine he'll go for one of the handicaps. He's probably 10lbs too low for the 2m5f novice but he is improving."

(TW & AM)