He took over from fellow Irish runner Harbour Pilot, who made an almighty blunder at that obstacle and Paul Carberry performed miracles to stay with his partner and claim third.

Gingembre, runner-up in the event two years ago, finished with a real flourish to press the winner but could not quite peg him back and went down by half-a-length.

The places were completed by Whitenzo, who overcame a bad mistake early after the turn for home to stay on strongly.