The Willie Mullins trained Scarpeta justified strong late support before winning the opening Langton House Hotel Maiden Hurdle at Gowran today, under jockey Paul Townend.

The son of Soldier Of Fortune, backed from 5/2 on track in to 13/8f, was untidy jumping some of his early hurdles but stretched well clear of his rivals in the home straight before readily beating runner-up Cartwright by 17 lengths.

Afterwards Townend reported “I think he handled the ground as well as anything will today but I'd say going forward, on ground not as heavy as that, he'll probably step up in trip.

“He has a bit to learn yet about jumping, he's novicey. He improved from the first day and I think he can improve again.

“It's proper heavy, heavy ground and it will be survival of the fittest today. If they go a gallop they won't get home and we'll have to find a happy medium.

“It's as heavy as you'd want it but fair play to them as they've put in a massive effort to have the day on. We're here and we can't complain.”

Quotes from Gary Carson