The well-backed Sword Of Destiny turned the Follow Punchestown On Facebook Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown into a procession under Davy Russell to continue Noel Meade's impressive run of form.

A son of Shantou, the successful grey bolted up by twelve lengths from Minella For Value Meanwhile Prince Ludovic owned like Sword Of Destiny by Gigginstown House Stud, ran a promising race to finish third.

Meade said: "I shouldn't have run him at Fairyhouse (171 days ago at the Festival). Firstly the ground was too quick and secondly he was very immature.

"He could be anything – I know it wasn't a great race but he couldn't have done it any better.

"He jumps great and goes on the ground. He stays well too. He was ready to run but he wasn't over-fit and he'll go for a winners race now. Two and a half miles would be a minimum for him."