Western Ruler got bookmakers off to a good start on Irish National day at Fairyhouse when recording a 25/1 shock in the opening Farmhouse Foods Novice Handicap Hurdle.

Rachael Blackmore made the running on the Mouse Morris-trained six-year-old, who asserted early in the straight for a convincing success.

He kept on strongly on the run-in to beat Quamino by six lengths, with Black Key another three quarters of a length back in third.

Morris said, “He went to the third last but just didn’t get home the last day at Naas. Two miles is definitely his thing and he handled the ground.

“We’ll try and find another one and he’ll jump a fence in time.”

Blackmore said, “That wasn't the original plan but he jumped his way to the front. He got everything his own way and had a light weight on his back. Mouse had him spot on.”