Having begun in May 2011 as a two-year-old, Dragon Khan finally shed his maiden tag on start number twenty eight when taking the honours in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle at Thurles under Jody McGarvey.

Course and distance scorer Knockraha Pylon made a bold bid from the front in her first-time blinkers, but the eye was drawn to the sweet-travelling Dragon Khan (a not un-backed 6/1 shot) from before the straight.

The J P McManus-owned and Christy Roche-trained victor led before the last and he kept on strongly on the run-in for a six and a half length win.

"He has a fair level of ability on the Flat but never won for us and we decided to ride him differently today," revealed McGarvey.

"We're always worried about him staying but he's never a million miles away and always has a little chance.

"It was a weak race today."

J.J. Burke, rider of Coolbane West trained by W.J. Burke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

(TW & EM)