Second favourite Gates Of Rome proved to be the best equipped to cope with testing conditions when he ran out a four and a half length winner of the Ballyhale Novice Hurdle under Davy Russell.

Previously a point-to-point and a Clonmel maiden winner, the Luso six-year-old went on before the last as his rivals toiled, seeing off Misala and Shane Rock Awkward Moment finished fourth whilst market-leader Cass Bligh was beaten and eased from before the last.

Of course winning trainer Colm Murphy had a huge week at Cheltenham with Big Zeb's Champion Chase success and he said of this Gigginstown House Stud-owned chasing type: "He'll probably go for a winners of two next and he'd probably prefer nicer ground. I'm delighted with him and I'll have a word with the owners to see where we'll go next."