Itswhatunitesus gave trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Davy Russell an opening race double when running out a good winner of the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Cork.

A race that was billed as a match between that one and runner up Embassy Gardens became just that, with the pair having it between from some way out.

Russell led into the straight but Sean O'Keeffe threw down a strong challenge on the odds on favourite approaching the third last. However, Itswhatunitesus found plenty for pressure and pulled out more on the run to two out.

Marginally in front at that point, the Alymer Stud owned gelding was none too tidy at the last but stayed on well to beat Embassy Gardens, with a distance back to the third.

Lisa O'Neill said; "Davy said he has learned a lot from his run at Galway, he can be quite keen at times but Davy gave him a peach.

"He didn't get things easy in front and obviously the Willie Mullins horse (Embassy Garden) wasn't going to let him go. When he put down at the last I thought he threw it away but he battled all the way to the line.

"We thought he was a nice horse when he won his bumper and he has improved over hurdles and hopefully can go forward again. He is a big immature type but Davy gets on well with him and I think that will do his confidence the world of good."

Paddy Power went 33/1(from 40/1) about Itswhatunitesus for the Supreme Novices Hurdle

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes