The Co Meath rider and the Ladycastle Syndicate’s 12-year-old Nabab de Reve mare were drawn fourth last of 32 and, home clear in 35.52, easily bettered the time set by Britain’s George Whitaker and Axel Springs (36.23) who jumped immediately before them.

In the evening’s Connolly’s Red Mills jump-off, five of the top six places were filled by Irish riders. Of these, Peter Smyth and Nigel Kenny’s Harlequin du Carel gelding Corrib House set an unbeatable target of 46.10 over the Stephen William-designed track.