Master Minded landed the featured Kerrygold Champion Chase but only just after holding on by a diminishing head from Big Zeb who blundered badly at the last.
The 30/100 favourite, recording his fifth Grade 1 victory, made all the running under Ruby Walsh but came under pressure when challenged by Big Zeb in the straight.
The pair were in the air together at the last where Barry Geraghty's mount didn't get high enough and hit it hard. However he got going again on the run-in, and was closing the gap on the odds-on favourite all the way to the line.
'Jumping is the name of the game, and we are learning about this horse all the time,' said Paul Nicholls, who is planning to have a pacemaker for his charge in future.
'There was no point holding him up in a slowly run race, and what he really needs is a fast pace where he gets a lead. He's getting a bit idle, and in future we will use Clive's (Smith) other horse Free World to make sure we get a true run race.'
Master Minded is evens favourite with William Hill to complete a hat-trick in the Queen Mother Champion Chase next March, while Big Zeb is an 8/1 chance.
