Following the earlier reverse of two short-priced favourites, Harpsy Cord came to the rescue of punters by justifying odds of 4/7 in the 2m3f maiden hurdle. Swordmaster set a good pace here building up a sizeable lead at halfway but he came back to the field approaching the straight.

Andrew Lynch sent the hot favourite to the front two out, and he quickly settled the issue to beat outsider Rockshandy (66/1) by a very comfortable eight lengths with Shannon Spirit (3/1) another length and a half back in third.

“He should make a nice chaser next season, and will have just one more run over hurdles. He's grown half an inch in the last few months, and is a lovely mover. He goes on any ground but should be better on better ground. He was a ready made horse coming to me as he won a point-to-point for Sam Curling at Dromahane,” said trainer Jim Dreaper.