Fresh from making all to open his account over fences at Galway last month, the 7-4 favourite was to the fore again, taking the step up to Grade Two level in his stride with some sure-footed jumping to see off Henry de Bromhead's Koktail Divin by three lengths.

Delighted trainer Connor King said: "We've always liked him. He did well over hurdles and we always hoped he'd be a better chaser.

"I've been keeping my eye on this race for a long time. I remember there were only three runners in it last year and thinking it would be a nice race to aim for.

"I think he jumped better the last day, but he got the job done."

Looking to future plans, King added: "It's disappointing for us they have got rid of the three-mile novice chase at Leopardstown (at Christmas).

"Limerick is two-miles-five (

See Full Page