Dont Back Down lived up to his name when producing an ultra-game performance to land the opening maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Paul Carberry made the running on the Gigginstown gelding but he came off the bridle after the third last and looked a sitting duck turning for home.
4/6 favourite Lord Gale loomed large and joined his rival at the second last.
The Gordon Elliott-trained front-runner refused to be passed, however, and found plenty to hold the hotpot at bay by a neck.
"Best horse I've ridden all year!" quipped Carberry as he returned after the victory.
"It wasn't a great race and we'll step him up in trip now as he's slow enough," said the winning trainer afterwards. "Paul gave him a great ride."
Elliott also revealed that last year's RSA Chase runner-up Jessies Dream is to be given an entry for the Hennessy at Leopardstown next month.
