Menorah is Supreme in the opener

Dunguib tasted defeat for the first time over hurdles when only third behind Menorah in the opening Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Brian O'Connell kept the “Irish banker” to the outside throughout and, while his jumping was not fluent at a number of hurdles, he made no major mistakes. The 4/5 favourite made up ground approaching the home bend and was asked for his effort going to the last.

However the Richard Johnson-ridden Menorah (12/1) kept on well in front and just held off Get Me Out Of Here (9/2) by a diminishing head, with Dunguib not finding any extra on the run-in a further length and three quarters adrift.

Johnson was later hit with a four days suspension by the stewards for using his whip with excessive frequency, and failing to give his mount time to respond.

Winning trainer Philip Hobbs said afterwards, “He could be very good. He was beaten twice but both times they were very muddling races. He was at a bit of a disadvantage here as he's only five, and my first thought would be to go for the Champion Hurdle next year.”

Dunguib's trainer Philip Fenton refused to blame O'Connell and is now targeting redemption at next month's Punchestown Festival.

He said: "First of all, we thought the pace would be much stronger, although he did travel well enough. He missed a hurdle out at the top of the hill and jumping the third last, we were probably fighting a losing battle."

"Brian felt they just got a couple of lengths on him coming round the bend and we were still that far down at the last. I wouldn't put the ground down as an excuse and although Brian felt he was a bit wide, I have no criticism whatsoever over his riding."

"After this, I think Punchestown will still be the next stop, but my inclination is to continue down the novice route with him."

William Hill bet for next year's Champion Hurdle; 8/1 Dunguib, 10/1 Menorah, 12/1 Get Me Out Of Here.