Original Option did his best to clutch defeat from the jaws of victory before staying on well up the hill to take the opening 2m2f maiden hurdle on the Toals Bookmakers-sponsored card at Downpatrick.

The 11/4 favourite continually lost ground by jumping out to the left on this tight right-handed circuit but fought back gamely in the closing stages under Paul Carberry to beat Nodelay (100/30) by half a length.

Winning trainer Noel Meade said: “We tried him in blinkers and a different bridle today but he still hung left. I can't find anything wrong with his teeth or back, and will probably send him over fences now. He has schooled over fences and jumps well.”

Alan Magee