With the Philip Rothwell string continuing where they left off last season, the Wicklow man was back in the winners' enclosure after Woodstream Lad made a successful return in the Botanica International Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

Having won on his stable debut for Rothwell in November, the gelding then ran a big race when runner-up in a much more competitive contest at Leopardstown the following month.

Given a winter break due to his aversion to testing conditions, the seven-year-old was primed for this first start in 142 days, travelling easily under Phidelma Elvin before heading leader Zolpharine before the second last.

Pushed clear on the run-in, the Rothwell trained winner had a length and a half to spare at the finish.

Philip Rothwell said: “He’s been a super little horse, and I just couldn’t run him on real winter ground. I thought today with the rain getting into it that it might catch him out and I don’t think he jumped as confident as he could have done.

“I’d say they went plenty quick in front, and he ended up further back than you would like. It worked out well and Phidelma gets on well with him and her 7lb claim.

“I actually bought him for her to ride as a bit of fun in handicaps and then John Leckey came on board to purchase him.

“His Leopardstown run at Christmas was very good and then we hoped he might sneak into the two-mile handicap at Punchestown but the entries were incredible.

“It’s our first winner of the season. I know it’s only three weeks but it seems like a long time.

“Phidelma is a hard grafter and is part of a really good team I have with many senior staff. I’m very fortunate to have them and just try to man the fort.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.