Allied Victory was given a fine front-running ride by Brian O'Connell to take the opening maiden hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Shield was a 4/9 hotpot for the two-and-a-half mile contest but proved a major disappointment, finishing a well-held third.

The favourite had improved into third with three to jump but found little when asked to pick up entering the straight.

Allied Victory, an 11/1 shot, galloped on resolutely to lead home a one-two for trainer Mouse Morris.

Stable-mate The Mystro plugged on in second but never looked like getting to the winner, going down by four lengths.

Allied Victory, carrying the Gigginstown colours, had failed to complete on his last two starts but had shown promise on his 'track' debut at Cork last November when fourth behind The Game Changer.

“He'll make a nice chaser in time and he should be better on better ground. Hopefully he'll win a novice hurdle in the spring,” said Morris afterwards.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)