Proactif climbed towards the top of the ante-post market for the Triumph Hurdle with a smart win in the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old won his sole start in France by six lengths before being purchased by J.P. McManus and moved to Ireland in the early autumn.

He was a 15/8 chance to win on his yard debut under Mark Walsh, with stablemate and fellow French import Macho Man the 13/8 favourite under Paul Townend.

It was those two horses who did battle at the business end of the two-mile event, with Proactif coming out on top by two and three-quarter lengths to shorten from 12/1 to the 7/1 second-favourite for the Triumph Hurdle with Paddy Power.

“He’s a grand, big horse. Mark said he jumped well but was still a little bit green sometimes in front,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus.

“He galloped and jumped, we’re very happy with him.

“Knowing Willie, it (the Dublin Racing Festival) will probably be a bit soon. He’s had a run in France and learned a little bit today. You could only be happy with him.

“He stays and jumps, he looks the ideal type (for the Triumph Hurdle). Touch wood he stays in one piece.

“I thought they were going to get to him going to the last but in fairness he got to the line well.”