Paisley Park secured his fourth victory from as many starts this season with an impressive win in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Emma Lavelle’s charge has made huge progress in the first half of this season, making a winning reappearance at Aintree before following up in a valuable Haydock handicap and claiming Grade 1 glory in the Long Walk at Ascot.

He was the 100/30 favourite to complete the four-timer in this Grade 2 event and did so in some style to confirm himself Britain’s leading hope for the Stayers’ Hurdle back at Prestbury Park in March.

Lil Rockerfeller and Sam Spinner ensured the three-mile contest was a searching test of stamina, with their protracted battle for the lead meaning the race was run at a strong pace.

Aidan Coleman was niggling away at Paisley Park some way from home, but not for the first time he responded generously for pressure and moved ominously into West Approach’s slipstream on the run to the final flight.

Lavelle’s charge jumped it well and careered away up the famous hill to score by 12 lengths from West Approach, with Black Op best of the rest a further two lengths away in third.

10-PAGE HORSE TRANSPORT FEATURE IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND