Excelsius (15/2) defied topweight of twelve stone to win the Welcome Back To Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Sean O’Keeffe.

Never far from the pace, the Exceed And Excel gelding led entering the straight and stayed on well to beat Cottie by a length and a quarter.

It was the 5-year-old’s third win in six starts following his initial hurdles success at Killarney in July and a victory on the level at Clonmel last month.

Winning trainer Tom Mullins, out of luck with Cesarewitch also-ran Takarengo at Newmarket, said: “He’s five and he’s only getting strong now. Soft ground kills him as he’s a real summer horse.

“He’s a grand horse who can go chasing and he’ll probably win another one or two on the Flat.

“He dwelt in the stalls in the Ladies race at the Curragh the last day and never got into it. He likes to be ridden handy and is good and honest.

“He’s in the Horses-In-Training Sale in Doncaster and he may go there.”

Quotes from Alan Magee