Rushmount played cat and mouse with his main market rivals before scooting away from them in the extended 2m7f maiden hurdle at Thurles.

This Shirocco gelding was runner-up in a couple of point-to-points and made a highly pleasing racecourse debut when just held by a neck over a similar trip in a maiden hurdle at this track in November. That effort saw him go off 10/11 favourite today.

Michael O'Sullivan kept an eye on Nas Na Riogh and Find A Fortune in third and pushed the button after two out. The race was soon over after the pair asserted before the last and moved clear on the run-in. They cruised in by eight lengths from 3/1 runner-up Find A Fortune.

Trainer Jonathan Sweeney said: "I'm delighted with him and delighted for his owners, the Moakleys, who, when I was 16, I did four or five seasons with Paddy (Moakley). He's a home-bred and hopefully now will build on that.

"The plan had been to go to Leopardstown over Christmas, but then he had a setback coming up to it. In fairness to the owners they have been patient with him and he is a nice horse. 

"He jumps really well and could do a lot over hurdles before he eventually going chasing.

"I thought he might be better on better ground, but it looks like he isn't ground dependant."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes