It is rare that Gordon Elliott leaves a jump fixture empty-handed these days, and the Longwood trainer was on the mark with Woods Well in the Richard Brennan Fencing Services INH Flat Race at Thurles.

The five-year-old gelding made a promising debut under rules when runner-up to Articulum back in January, and went one better here at 3/1 joint favourite.

Luke McGuinness’ mount was prominent throughout, and was well on top inside the final furlong to beat fellow joint favourite Sharps Choice by four lengths. Bobo Mac was a further half a length adrift in third.

Elliott said,"He hadn't been showing us a thing at home and that was a bit of a surprise, as he also hadn't been showing us much before he ran in Naas either.

"I'd say I haven't ran a horse in a bumper to be working as bad at home! Maybe he's a horse who doesn't work well at home but thankfully he shows it on the track.

"Luke kept it simple and let him bowl along. He'll definitely run in a maiden hurdle next."

(TW & AM)