Immediate Response further showcased the talent of champion trainer Willie Mullins when overcoming a lengthy absence to easily take the two miles handicap hurdle.

Formely trained by Michael Fitzgerald and off the course for 830 days, the nine-year-old son of Strategic Choice travelled supremely well under the trainer’s son Patrick.

He jumped past Up The Girls (8/1) at the second last, and cruised home to beat that rival by an easy six and a half lengths. Tequila Lord (12/1) filled third spot.

Mullins said, “His jumping was very slick for his first run in a handicap. He broke down badly after his last run, and I’ve only had him about six weeks.

“We’ll stick to handicapping and he’s in at Fairyhouse on Saturday, although I don’t like running them so quickly. Running twice so quick with a leg is bad news but we might make an exception with this fella.”