Paul Nolan was delighted with the winning return of Shinrock Paddy in the first at Naas today and expects plenty more to come from the gelding.
Alain Cawley tracked the leaders on the six-year-old but had to get to work on his mount turning for home.
He got a lovely run up the rail to challenge at the second last and edged ahead of 5/4f Son Amix at the final flight.
Barry Connell's charge kept up the gallop on the run-in to record a length-and-a-quarter success.
Long-time leader Imperial Shabra was third while Rigour Back Bob tired badly to finish a tailed off fourth.
"He's very much a hard horse to get fit. If you remember last year he wasn't impressive at Punchestown before going on to land the Grade 1 hurdle at Navan," said Nolan afterwards.
"We weren't able to get a grass gallop into him but he worked well on Duninga gallops a couple of weeks ago.
"Alain said he gave an awful heave turning in but he picked up again. He's very very tough and will come on for that.
"We'll go for the Hatton's Grace now and we'll see where we stand after that.
"I'm glad to get him back on track. He'll improve a lot from the run. I'm glad for Barry as he was so disappointing at Cheltenham."
