Gordon Elliott's El Cairos survived a blunder at the final flight in his Thurles prep run to ensure he goes to the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham with a victory under his belt.
Promoted to the head of the betting for the Festival opener when on the verge of creating a huge impression on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown before falling at the last, he almost succumbed again.
Having lost his position as favourite to Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star, El Cairos faced only one serious market marvel as he was sent off the 1-5 favourite for the ThurlesRaces.ie Maiden Hurdle and all was going to plan before he dived at the last.
Jack Kennedy was soon back on the bridle, however, going on to account for Roc Dino, beaten by Mighty Park last time out, by three lengths.
"It is job done and he never came out of second gear. Jack said it was his fault at the last as he said he should have either taken him back or asked him, but I loved the way he came back on the bridle straight away and you’d have to be impressed by that," said Elliott.
"We came here looking for good ground so I was nervous, but it was either come here or to Navan or Punchestown next week, which was getting too close to Cheltenham.
"I don’t think he could have done any more and he is very fast. Jack said the boot he has is unbelievable. He’ll learn plenty from today and even racing in a big field will do him no harm. He’ll go straight to Cheltenham and he’ll be way better on better ground."
El Cairos was unchanged at 5-1 for the Supreme.
Willie Mullins’ Charme De Faust made a successful Irish debut in the Thurles Maiden Hurdle.
Sent off the 5-6 favourite, the Rich Ricci-owned filly briefly looked as if she might have a race on her hands turning in but came home a powerful nine lengths clear.
She was cut to 14-1 from 25s for the Triumph Hurdle.
Winning rider Paul Townend said: "She handled the ground well, will improve from it as she had a couple of blows and she jumped brilliantly. I was able to use her French experience and I think there is plenty of improvement in her.
"I liked how she did it and she has developing to do yet, to fill into her frame. I think she’ll have a nice future and when she strengthens up, she’ll be a fine mare."
