Surac had always threatened to win since arriving in Ireland and that victory came at Ballinrobe this evening, however, it was on his first start over flights.

He attracted some support for the extended two mile 3YO hurdle before going off at 9/1 in the hands of Danny Mullins.

The Frankel gelding made headway on the outer at the second-last. He improved further to get on the tail of Charlie Luciano racing to the final flight.

He didn't put in his best jump there, but was driven upsides Charlie Luciano at the furlong pole. The pair fought the spoils out as they were clear of Calico in third. In the final 150 yards, Surac took a slight lead and he kept on best to increase it to three parts of a length at the line.

Runner-up Charlie Luciano was a 3/1 chance and was 11 lengths ahead of Calico (4/1).

Trainer Richard O'Brien said: "It's lovely to have that winner and to have the support of those owners. A big thank you to Anthony Bromley who put me in connection with them. I have two horses for Mr Munir and Mr Souede and they're lovely people to train for.

"Danny had come down to school him and was great on him. He's a really sweet little horse and is very straightforward.

"He will win races on the Flat in his turn but he seemed to enjoy that. He jumped very well and was quick at several of them.

"That ground was as quick as he'd want it and he'd handle really testing ground which will open up options for him."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan