Kilmurry brought a big reputation with him from the point-to-point fields and indeed he started 6/4 for his Rules debut in a Navan bumper (disappointed then). A couple of starts since have seen him realise his full potential which he showed with a three parts of a length success in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle.

Andrew Lynch 's mount led until before the fourth, he was back in front three out and from the next he battled off all challengers, principally the 11/8 favourite, Colleoni who just couldn't raise his effort sufficiently of the run-in.

Henry de Bromhead, the winning trainer, was delighted afterwards, saying: "He was good. We thought he'd struggle on the ground but over that trip (two miles) he was okay. He'll be a far nicer horse on better ground.

"Whatever he does over hurdles though is a bonus because fences will be his forte. He wings fences."