Tom Mullins and Davy Russell combined to take the opening O’Dwyer’s Stillorgan Orchard Maiden Hurdle with 7/1 shot Dr Whizz

Russell raced the JP McManus owned gelding in behind the leaders and made his move to challenge entering the straight.

The pair kept on well to lead on the run-in for a three parts of length win over 5/4 favourite Puyol

Winning trainer Mullins said afterwards: “We’ve always thought he was a lovely horse. He missed his last piece of work on account of the frost and that’s probably why he was the price he was.”

“You’d have to be happy with that considering that’s his first run over hurdles. We’ll see what JP and Frank want to do next.”

“Whatever he does this year I think he’ll make a very nice chaser next year.”

Ladbrokes have introduced Dr Whizz at odds of 33/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham.