A better jump by favourite Champagne James at the last, looked likely to edge things in his favour, but dual bumper winning Mister Nibbles was having none of it as he prevailed in the January Jumps Weekend Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown for Stuart and Steven Crawford.

A 60th winner for the latter, thus riding out his claim, the Kalanisi dug deep for his amateur rider to see off the 'jolly' by half a length with the each-way punt Emperor Of Exmoor taking the third spot two and a quarter lengths back.

Steven Crawford explained: "He didn't make life easy – he hung a little bit which he never did before. He kinda jumped his way up to the front so Plan A went out the window.

"Once he got to the front then he relaxed so I was happy. I knew turning in that there was another little gear there and as soon as the others came to me he pulled it out.

"He didn't get a great jump at the last and I hope Pat Healy (photographer) doesn't put that on twitter!

"He won two bumpers and the horse that beat him at Fairyhouse was third in the Tolworth after. The horse that beat him at Down Royal then could be anything. He was a first-timer of J P McManus' and Gordon Elliott's and I know they think a lot of him. So his form was there.

"He had a few maybe there that were just as good as him but I think the step-up in trip helped him and the ground was ideal for him.

"The ground is just soft – not too bad. When I got here earlier and walked the track I knew the ground wouldn't be an excuse anyway – it was just a question of whether he'd be good enough.

"I was really delighted with him for his first run over two and a half.

"Stuart went to the point-to-point in Tyrella and it was called off so he's at home watching in.

"Our horses are on a good run of form but horses are like that, they can just go in and out of form and you have to make the most of it when they're on form.

"There are a lot of people at home that do all the work and they know who they are. They are always giving out that they don't get a mention so I better say well done to them.

"We have a lot of nice horses and I'm hoping for a big run tomorrow from Gilt Shadow. He might need it a little bit but he's in good form and just put a line through the Royal Bond as he's a really good horse.

"He might not win tomorrow as I think he'll need it as he had a wee break after the Royal Bond but he's definitely a horse to look out for." (AM & EM)