New Ross justified favouritism for Joseph O'Brien and JJ Slevin in the first split of the extended two and a half mile maiden hurdle in Punchestown.

The Doyen gelding began to close in third after three out and went for a run on the inner after the next hurdle.

He came to take over at the head of affairs from long-time leader Look Dont Touch with just over a quarter of a mile to race.

He asserted before the last but gave his backers a scare by hitting it hard which affected his momentum. Look Dont Touch got a sniff of victory in his nostrils and tried to rally on the run-in but couldn't bridge the gap.

The 12/1 runner-up got to within three parts of a length of the 5/4 winner. There was a 13-length gap back to third-placed Pay The Fine at 125/1.

Slevin said: “He had plenty of experience and rated 113 was entitled to do it. I’m delighted for his owner (Pat McGee) and it’s just a pity he can’t be here.

“He’d a very good run here the last day and likes that bit of better ground. I’m sure he’ll keep going over the summer and maybe find a little novice.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee