Arthurian Fame, near side, jumps the last on his way to victory over Santana Plessis© Photo Healy Racing
Arthurian Fame reeled in front-runner Santana Plessis to open his account over jumps in the second division of the geldings maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan.
Joseph O'Brien 's charge had been fourth in the Cork Derby on the level five days ago and made a successful switch back to hurdling.
Davy Russell set a strong pace on Santana Plessis and soon opened up a healthy lead. JJ Slevin started to make inroads after the second last on the 11/10 favourite and jumped into the lead over the final flight.
The Camelot gelding stayed on well to record a length-and-three-quarters victory.
“His Flat form had been good recently. His winter form was solid and he enjoyed that ground there today,” said Slevin.
“He won a shade easy, I think. Davy is a dangerous man to have in front of you especially around here today and I was half keeping tabs on him.
“My lad is a good traveller and he's got a lot of gears, I didn't want to be getting there too soon anyway.
“He's a big strider, a good traveller and settles well so that trip is definitely no bother to him.
“The owners are a great bunch of lads and get a great kick out of it. That's their first winner over jumps so hopefully they enjoy it.
“There are plenty of options in Galway for him. There is a novice hurdle there but Joseph will have a think about that and I'll leave it to him.”
