Jack Kennedy restored his advantage of four winners over Paul Townend (117-113) in the jockeys' title race when producing The Niffler to strike in Naas.

The 6/1 chance contested the extended 2m3f handicap hurdle and began to make his move two out where he made a mistake. He improved into second on the run to the last, though, and stayed on to grab the lead in the final 100 yards. King Kali the 3/1 favourite, thrust home late but was half a length down at the line. Each-way players picked up a place dividend on Chosen Shant (13/2) and Rideau Canal (9/1) in third and fourth respectively.

Kennedy said: “I was probably just getting to know him the last few times and I was keen to ride him a bit more forward today as he’d just stay galloping on his last couple of runs.

“Eamonn (O'Connell, trainer) said to me to try and not be there too soon on him as he’d wait in front. They went a good gallop and I’d plenty to aim at.”

O'Connell led up and commented that he’s entered again at Clonmel tomorrow and may run.

Kennedy started the day four clear of Townend who reduced the gap to three when winning aboard Icare Desbois in the opener.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee