Topweight Ardamir (10/1) led between the final two flights in the KPMG Handicap Hurdle and kept on well on the run-in to hold the late effort of Morga (7/1) by half a length.

The well-backed Buttons And Bows (7/2) was a further two and a half lengths away in third, while the drifting 11/4 favourite Imperial Choice never landed a blow in sixth.

Denis O’Regan certainly has the key to the 8-year-old by sprinter Deportivo, having partnered him to win at Bellewstown last month and also to his one win in Britain four years ago.

Gordon Elliott trains the winner who was acquired for a little over £4,000 at Tattersalls Ascot Sale last August and has won over E32,000 in total in his two wins in Ireland.

The winning rider said: "It was a grand performance. He travelled well, had the experience and enjoyed the ground. It was just a nice race for him.

“He’s been running okay though I thought he had plenty of weight on him today.

“He got the job done nicely and he’s been very well placed.

“He obviously enjoys the slower pace in Irish races-he gets confidence through the races and he jumped great again today."

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy