The thoroughly admirable Big Gossey made all the running under Robert Whearty to repeat last years win in the Cavalor Equine Nutrition Race at the Curragh.

In doing so, the Charles O'Brien trained grey was registering a seventh career win at the County Kildare track.

Away from stalls very smartly, Whearty set the fractions on the seven-year-old, quickening up from over two furlongs out as the race developed into a match between himself and Mataariki

As Big Gossey mastered the latter well inside the final 150 yards, the long absent Wexford Native kept on strongly from out of the pack to grab second close home.

Charles O'Brien said: “That race is perfect for him as he gets in pretty well. Robert said he was getting a bit lonely in front and picked up again when the other horses were coming at him.

“He’s mad well and looks terrific.

“Gary (O’Brien), who led him up, does 90% of the work. He keeps him sweet and just rides him out a few days a week. Racing keeps him happy.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.