First Lieutenant recorded a cosy success when making a winning debut over fences in the Like A Butterfly Novice Chase at Tipperary.
Davy Russell got a nice lead from Imperial Shabra before sending his mount to the front turning into the straight in the Grade 3 contest. Slieveardagh tried to throw down a challenge and although the 4/7 got in close at the last he never looked in danger.
Mouse Morris' charge hand plenty in the tank as he recorded a length-and-three-parts success.
The Gigginstown-owned Presenting gelding claimed the Neptune Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham last year and looks an exciting prospect over fences.
"I'm relieved and very satisfied. He got a bit tired but that's to be expected against race fit horses," said Morris.
"He could do no more. He's jumped well and he's got a brain. I want to get some experience into him but I've no real plans.
"Hopefully he's ok in the morning and we'll take it from there."
Russell added:- "He did it well. He'll learn a lot from the experience and I'd say he'd prefer a bigger track."
It was a double on the card for Russell, who had also taken the another Grade 3 on the card when Tavern Times ran out an easy winner of the novice hurdle.
Gary Carson
