Horantzau D'airy (5/2) took full advantage of his fortune to land the beginners' chase on Leopardstown's card.

The 146-rated Aspire Tower was joined at the final fence by Thecompanysergeant but both horses fell independently of each other.

This left Horantzau D'airy and Paul Townend with a clear lead and, although it was whittled down to a length and a-quarter by his stablemate Paul Marvel (18/1), he was was always holding the pursuer. Je T'ai Porte was another six and a-half lengths back in third at 100/1.

Willie Mullins said: “It was a bit fortuitous, but if you're not in you can't win. I'm delighted with him and he'll continue chasing until the summer.

“Paul Marvel will do his best while the ground stays right.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson