Clear championship leader Davy Russell added to his tally when partnering Folsom Blue to a facile success in the opening INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.

The five-year-old Old Vic gelding took it up entering the straight and was soon in command, with the 9/2 chance coming home nine and a half lengths clear of Star Neuville (6/1) and Castle Wings (9/1) in third.

The 2/1 favourite Benefficient proved a bitter disappointment, weakening quickly and pulled up before three out. In fact just four of the eight runners completed the two and three quarter miles event in the testing ground conditions.

Winning trainer Conor O'Dwyer said, “I wasn't sure whether to go novice hurdling or handicapping with him after Limerick. He's a bit small but I wouldn't swap him, and he jumps well and stays well.

“He seems to love it here and travels well on that ground. He could come back here for the Michael Purcell Hurdle providing there is cut in the ground.”

Stan James have introduced Folsom Blue at 25/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.