Aspire Tower stakes Triumph Hurdle claim on debut for Henry de Bromhead

Aspire Tower was introduced at a best-priced 40-1 by William Hill for the JCB Triumph Hurdle in March but is half those odds elsewhere after making an impressive jumping debut in the three-year-old maiden hurdle at Punchestown.

A smart two-year-old on the Flat for Richard Hannon and highly tried last season for Steve Gollings, the son of Born To Sea seemed preoccupied in the early stages by rival Majority Share, whose saddle had slipped, making Aspire Tower difficult to steer for Rachael Blackmore.

After Majority Share was pulled up, Aspire Tower began to settle into his stride, travelling powerfully and jumping beautifully to beat fellow hurdling newcomer Sea Ducor with plenty in hand and in the manner of a good juvenile.