The Gordon Elliott-trained Wingmen made a winning start over timber at Navan this morning despite a novicey round of jumping in the Kilberry Pub & Kitchen Maiden Hurdle.

The Kay Tara gelding, winner of two bumpers last term, went to post a 8/15 shot in the two-and-a-half mile contest and bounced out in front under Jack Kennedy.

He had a good look at the first flight and tended to jump right early on.

The six-year-old was good when they quickened down to the second last and despite getting under the final flight he was always in control in the closing stages to beat Forty Coats by three lengths.

Elliott said: "It was a good performance I thought because he went a little bit right the whole way.

"Jack said when he let him on a bit he was better, and he was half idling in the home straight.

"He's a smart horse, so we'll see where we go. Maybe he will go the other way around.

"He's a big chasing horse, he's a horse for next year really.

"He has (a fair engine) and they pulled well clear of the third. Jack said he won snug."

Kennedy added: "First time over hurdles and I'd say there is improvement, maybe over a longer trip."

On the ground, he added: "It is more yielding (than good), it is lovely."

Betfair left the winner unchanged on 33/1 for both the Supreme and Turners Novices' Hurdles at Cheltenham.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)