Aengus and Paul Carberry lead Tongie over the final hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Aengus landed the odds in the BESS BALL Hype Maiden Hurdle at Naas but had to work to get the job done.
Noel Meade's charge was sent off a well supported 8/15 favourite (4/6 in morning) and was prominent throughout in the 2m3f contest.
Paul Carberry asked his mount to go on approaching the second last and he came under pressure after clipping the flight.
The Robin Des Champs gelding stuck on well from before the last, where he got in close, and was on top on the run-in as he recorded a two-and-a-quarter length victory over 33/1 shot Tongie
The winner had previously been third behind the Alvisio Ville in a strong looking contest at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day.
"He stays well and probably wants every bit of two-and-a-half mile plus," said Meade.
"Paul said a faster gallop would suit. He took a bit of a grip which is not like him. Leopardstown was far too short for him and we'll probably step him up in trip the next day."
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
