The final flight at Ballinrobe also nearly caught out Kai Li but he survived pecking on landing to score a comprehensive five and a half length victory in the two mile handicap hurdle.

Mark Enright was content to race in third on the Laurence Butler-trained gelding as Billybuster cut out the pace.

Enright moved into the lead two out and was going well as everything else came off the bridle.

Backers at 8/1 would have had their hearts in their mouths as the pair landed very awkwardly after the last, but they were well clear and recovered momentum to win snugly.

Lar Butler said of Kai Li, who was fitted with ear-plugs today: “"He’s been a bit frustrating. I think the track suited him more today than anywhere else.

"The downhill finish was probably in his favour. He’s always shown that he had the ability but he’s had his problems. He cost a good bit from France."

Gillian Callaghan’s Tough Mark came off the bridle early on, but stayed on again stoutly for second. He had been backed in from 8/1 to 6/1 on course. Indubitably (14/1) and Luimneach Abu (5/1) came third and fourth in the 16-runner contest. Silent Reaper was the 10/3 favourite, but finished eighth.

(On course reporting by Eamonn Murphy)