Life Of Reilly overcame a six month lay-off to open his account in the opening two mile maiden hurdle at Tipperary.
The lightly-raced son of Montjeu had shown some promise in the past, and got his act together here under a patient Mark Walsh ride to justify odds of 9/2.
The seven-year-old was produced with a smooth challenge to lead just after the last and kept on well to beat Anoosou (14/1) by two lengths.
Useful Flat recruit Separate Ways (5/2jt fav) was also held up by Ruby Walsh but could find no extra in the straight finishing a further three and a half lengths back in third.
Winning trainer John Kiely said: “I'm surprised that he's a maiden up to now but he's had a few setbacks. Hopefully he'll improve from this. He likes good ground, and we might go handicapping now.”
