Sword Of Destiny took the step up to Graded company in his stride when readily justifying evens favouritism in the Dial-A-Bet 1800 721 821 EBF Novice Hurdle to complete an opening race double at Cork for inform trainer Noel Meade.

Davy Russell 's mount took the Grade 3 three miler by the scruff of the neck before two out, and galloped on strongly to easily beat Farrells Fancy (7/4) by six and a half lengths.

Meade said, “He's improved so much this year and again since his maiden win. Every day he's getting that bit better, and if I had any worry beforehand it was the three miles.

“He has scope, size and is a great clean-winded horse. You would have to think he'll be a horse to be reckoned with when he goes over fences. I'd be tempted to go to Navan for the two and a half mile Grade 1 novice. He does need cut in the ground, and I wouldn't run him on fast ground.”