Shadow Catcher landed a gamble on debut in the two mile maiden hurdle at Punchestown with Paul Carberry in the saddle for trainer Gordon Elliott.

The three-year-old son of Haafhd was 4/1 early doors with the bookmakers this morning but they were all forced to cut him substantially as the support came.

The winner was sent off 7/4 favourite and showed great battling qualities to get back up to win by half-a-length after being headed by Ruby Walsh on Darroun (4/1 from 3/1) after the final flight.

Gordon Elliott has high aspirations for his juvenile. He said: “He was a bit keen and babyish and pricked his ears when he got to the front. There should be a bit of improvement in him.

"He’ll go for the race in Leopardstown [Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle]. He’s a nice horse for good owners and we got him in the sales in October.”

Tom Taaffe’s Argocat took third-placed prize money at 8/1.

Michael Graham