The Barry Connell trained Hashtag Pretender justified favouritism when easily opening his account in the Gowran Park Racing Club Maiden Hurdle.

Runner-up in five of his previous seven starts over hurdles, the Great Pretender gelding made every yard of the running under Michael O'Sullivan.

Jumping well out in front, the seven-year-old had everything bar second favourite The Mediator beaten after the third last flight.

Travelling noticeably the better of that leading pair, Hashtag Pretender extended on the run to the penultimate hurdle putting the race beyond his main rival.

Going clear on the run-in, the 5/4f beat The Mediator by eight-and-a-half lengths.

We're only waiting two or three years for that!” said Barry Connell.

“He's had five seconds and a third but he has run into good horses every time. The horse in Killarney came out and won a good race in Listowel.

“Looking at it you'd question if he's genuine or not but he is but he's just been unfortunate really. Today was his day.

“He handles quick ground, the time was 3.45 there so it's proper good ground. We'll put him into a handicap now and see what mark we get.

“He'll go novice chasing during the summer next year but I'd say for the moment we'll just play it by ear. He won't handle winter ground but that 's job done today, so it's great.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson