Surf Instructor confirmed the good impression he created at the Limerick Christmas meeting when going one better in division one of the www.thurlesraces.ie Maiden Hurdle.

The easy to back 100/30 chance asserted approaching the final flight, and stayed on well on the run-in under Dyland Robinson to score by three lengths. Icario kept on into second place in the closing stages, with 4/6 favourite Timi Roli finding no extra another length and a quarter back in third.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said, “I thought we were struggling coming down the hill but once he met the rising ground he stayed on really well again. He’s a galloping horse and jumps great. Dylan was great on him and the 5lb’s helped.

“I’m delighted for his owner. Julian (Taylor) is from England and used to ride successfully in point-to-points. He bought a few horses with us last year and this is his first winner. He’s had a lot of seconds as he owns Double Island and Guitar George.

“He’s a real chaser in the making. My wife Heather bought him at the Derby Sale. The ground was drying out here but he handled it well. We’ll go and look for a novice race now and he may like a greater test of stamina.”