FORMER 132-rated hurdler Bugs Moran showed that he’s a classy recruit to the hunt racing sphere by making his initial start in this code a victorious one in the novice rider’s open.

The middle leg of a treble for rider Michael Kenneally, Bugs Moran (5/2 - 3/1 favourite) was having an initial start for handler Eugene O’Sullivan on his return from a near 18-month lay-off. The eight-year-old was sent off favourite and he moved to the front from the third of the 13 obstacles, giving a foot-perfect round of fencing at the head of affairs.