Barry Connell once again proved he could mix it with the big boys as his 16/1 shot Eachtotheirown landed the PRL Champion Novice Hurdle, a Grade 1 won by Willie Mullins in seven of the last eight years.

Sean Flanagan rode the seven-year-old to make all in a first-time hood, and after an awkward jump at the first flight, never had cause for concern thereafter. Jack Kennedy made a move on 2/1f El Cairos approaching the turn for home, but began to fade before the last.

Eachtotheirown stayed on well to score by four and a quarter lengths, while Blake ran on from the back of the field to take second. Tuesday marked a third win from five starts over hurdles, but he had disappointed on his two previous attempts at graded level.

Connell, however, always maintained faith in the Westerner gelding, who he owns in partnership with Tim O’Driscoll.

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” the trainer said. “We thought he had a great chance in Cheltenham – we thought he’d be placed – and look, it didn’t happen for him; they went no gallop.

“He’s a typical Westerner; he’s quite exuberant. We said today we’d pop him out and he settled lovely. The only worrying moment was the first and, in fact, he did the same in Thurles. He has a lot of power behind and he just landed a bit stiffly. But other than that, there wasn’t a worrying moment.”

Future chaser

Connell is excited about the future, too, as he expects Eachtotheirown to be a better horse over fences. “He jumps hurdles like a chaser,” he commented, adding: “The Arkle is to the fore of our minds.”

Co-owner Tim O’Driscoll was visibly elated and said: “I’m shaking. I’m generally kind of calm but I was a bit of a lunatic up there; I made a holy show of myself, but I don’t care.

“All credit goes to Barry and the lads in the yard. This is amazing. The disappointments are there, you take them, but having a fella like this (Barry) – I think he has three runners this week, all three in Grade 1s, from a small string.”

Eachtotheirown shares more than just his trainer with Champion Chase hopeful Marine Nationale – both were bought by Gerry Hogan privately from the Sam Curling yard as unraced horses.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the home bend involving Blake (GB), ridden by Donagh Meyler, Koktail Brut, ridden by Danny Gilligan, Le Labo, ridden by John Gleeson, and Skylight Hustle, ridden by Sam Ewing, where Le Labo appeared to run short of room clip heels.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned and having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the stewards found Danny Gilligan was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard (second offence) they suspended him for four racedays.