Garrett Power produced Excellent As Usual 2nd in this contest last year, in good shape off a 337 day break to land the Ladies Day At Kilbeggan Handicap Hurdle under Paul Townend.

Perhaps with Townend booked the hint should have been taken and the victorious nine-year-old Cape Cross gelding certainly had his supporters as he found a starting price of 12/1 from an opening show of 16s.

Always on the gallop, Excellent As Usual led from five out and he kept going well from the third last to see off Parthian Empire by three and a quarter lengths.

Kilkenny trainer Power, no stranger to the Kilbeggan number one berth courtesy of his progressive mare, White Feathers (twice a winner here this summer) said: "That's terrific as I've always had faith in this horse.

"All he had to do was run up to his form. He had form with the favourite (Kalico Kim) and he was better off with her at the weights.

"He has an engine and he has heart and that's what it's all about.

"The horses have been running very well – we've had ten runners lately and they've all been in the money.

"This fellow will go to Galway for a race on the Wednesday. I thought he was going to win that last year but he fell." (GC & EM)