Impressing flatwork judge Liam Maloney, the Co Meath pair went on to produce two foot-perfect jumping performances, finally heading Sam Watson and Horseware Bowman by one mark. “We are keeping Olympic Cool at livery with the Powers now, which means that I can jump him every second day,” said Lyons. “I’m not sure what got into him at Tattersalls (where he ran very free) but he’s way calmer now and feels a different horse.”

Having spent the past five years with Bruce Davidson Snr in America, Co Meath rider Ciaran Thompson reaped the benefits by winning the CNC* from the front. Riding Lux A Million (Lux Z), a 10-year-old he owns jointly with Declan Morgan, Thompson demolished the field of 38 to impressively hold his opening mark of 31.5.