Operating benefited from the exit of fellow 7/4 joint-favourite Thunder And Roses in the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown today, eventually winning for trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Robbie Power.

Thunder And Roses was leading when carried out by the loose Doctor Jim at the fifth last, leaving Power (who was confirmed for the ride on Jezki at the Cheltenham Festival in recent days) to make the rest of the running on Operating, who comfortablly defeated Mireya

Afterwards Harrington stated “Operating has just been crying out for better ground - I thought he might get it at Christmas but we had this maiden hurdle mapped out for a long time.”

“He jumped brilliantly, it was his first time at two and a half miles. We'll go chasing next year but the idea is to go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown - Michael (Buckley, owner) will be over for those meetings and all being well he'll run in both.

“We'll start him off early next season over fences and he'll be a stronger horse next year to deal with the testing ground.”

Quotes from Gary Carson