Luska Lad at twos on (from 8/13) was expected to get his hurdling career off to a winning start in the Corrib Food Products Maiden Hurdle, and this he duly did under Ruby Walsh, despite running keenly throughout.

In front after three out, the Flemensfirth chestnut stayed on well under pressure from the back of the last to beat the promising first-timer on the racecourse proper, Magnanimity (a point-to-point winner) by two and a half lengths. Luska Lad's only opponent in the betting, Liss Na Tintri was two and a half lengths back in third.

Successful trainer, John 'Shark' Hanlon said of the former top bumper horse: "That was very good. We were hoping he'd do it that way. Ruby was very happy with him. He likes deep ground. We'll probably bring him for a two mile two in the North (Down Royal) on the Friday of the big meeting. Cheltenham in November is another option. I bought a few easyfix hurdles two weeks ago and I had him jumping them."