Cadspeed who finally broke his duck over hurdles last time at Leopardstown, followed up with a hard fought victory in the opener at Gowran Park today.

Patrick Mullins set a strong pace on the French-bred and Gates Of Rome was the only one to throw down a challenge three from home.

He cried enough approaching the last and Willie Mullins' charge kept on well to post a four-length winning margin.

"It's the first time he's won without heavy in the description. I doubt he'll go to Punchestown as it'll come a bit soon," said Mullins senior.

"We'll see what the month of May brings. If there was a bit of ease he could run again. If not we'll leave him off and go chasing in the autumn.

"Making more use of him is helping and he jumped very efficiently as well."