Butter Fingers, trained by Ross O'Sullivan, dominated the opener at Tipperary, the Donohue Marquees 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
Under amateur rider Lee Shanahan, the grey gelding settled mid-division in the two-mile contest featuring 10 starters. Formerly winless in five flat races under Mick Mulvany's training, Butter Fingers for owner Tommy Ward surged into third position approaching three hurdles remaining and took command before the next.
The Tough As Nails gelding extended his lead rapidly and maintained a strong pace throughout, finishing an impressive 29 lengths ahead.
Starting as the 6/4 favourite, Inspire Hope, ridden by JJ Slevin, couldn't match the winner after the second-last hurdle and settled for second place, with Solar Falcon (20/1) another length back in third.
"I've been with Ross the last six years and that’s my seventh winner but my first against the pros," said Lee Shanahan, originally from Tallaght. "He was green going to the last left on his own, but did it well and is a horse to look forward to. I've done all the schooling with him and was delighted to get the leg over him. Ross is a sound fella to work for and will give you any opportunity he can."