He may have had to concede weight to the majority of his rivals but New Phase (9/2 into 3/1) made it look simple with a fluent success under Robbie McNamara in the Jason Fallon Live After Racing December 12th Hurdle at Cork.

In front before two out Dermot Weld's son of Spectrum was soon clear on the way to a four length from pretty easy to back favourite Jered

Winning owner Kris Weld said: "He did it well. It was a good competitive race and he won well. He jumped and travelled well. Two miles three was slightly beyond him at Naas last time and back over two here he's won nicely.

"He enjoyed the ease in the ground and as a winner of five races now he owes me nothing. I'll talk to Dad now but I might put him away and school him over fences with a view to going chasing in the New Year."