Iron Duke rated a lowly 47 the last time he competed on the level, has found hurdling a more interesting proposition as he showed when getting off the mark on his second attempt over timber in the opening Saltan Properties Maiden Hurdle.

Eddie Power 's mount travelled well into contention going down the hill for the final time and he secured a good passage up the inside to lead before the last, going on to account for favourite Frosted Grape by a length and a half.

Winning trainer, John Murphy was represented by his son, George and he said: "He really needs the good ground and the hurdles have sharpened him up. He'll probably go back to the flat (over a mile and a half plus) during the summer as well. He could go for a handicap hurdle now either. The owner is Ottelo Finetto and is from Sweden."

Frosted Grape wandered about under pressure before the last hampering Reportage The subsequent steward's enquiry left the placings remain unaltered.