Hammerstein justified 5/2 favouritism to win the Betvictor Sliabh Luachra Hurdle at Killarney today as the Gordon Elliott trained gelding made a winning seasonal reappearance under jockey Jack Kennedy.

The son of Dansili was pulled up, having burst blood vessels, on his latest start on hurdles debut at Wexford last October but today bounced back to his best when shaking off the challenge of both runner-up Right Destination and third-paced Sticky Situation in the home straight for a length and three parts win.

Afterwards Kennedy stated “it worked out lovely for me and he jumped and travelled well for me.

“It is great for the owner who is a great support of mine and Gordon's.”