Impaire Et Passe took a significant step in his early career over fences with a fine win in the Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick.

Ridden by Daryl Jacob for trainer Willie Mullins and owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the six-year-old – three times a top-level winner over hurdles – was the 8-13 favourite for the Grade One contest, having won his chasing debut by 12 lengths at Fairyhouse in November.

Among a field of seven he was ridden patiently and always looked settled, making good progress throughout before laying down a challenge in the closing stages and sealing the victory with a good jump at the last.

The winning margin – the first at Grade One level for Mullins this Christmas – was four lengths on the line, with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Jordans the runner-up.

Jacob said: “He was very good, he really picked up from the back of the second-last and was good, brave and long at the last.

“I’ve always said it that two miles racing against State Man and the likes was always going to be too sharp and it was proven in the Aintree Hurdle. Please God he comes out of this well and is an exciting horse for the ‘double green’ for the rest of the season.”

He added of his recent injury troubles: “I’m not going to lie, it has been a very frustrating spell for me and has been hard work. I knew I had one or two good rides coming into the Christmas period so wanted to get back for it and whatever happens now, I’ve got a Grade One.

“Obviously Simon and Isaac have been an integral part of my career for the last 11 years, that is a long time and we have a massive association.

“The are like brothers to me so I owe my whole life to them and also to Robert and Sally Alner as well. This is very very special.”