As was the case with the other handicap hurdle on the card, when Forever Gold did the business, Peoples Park ran out a convincing winner of the Martinstown Opportunity two miler, under Ger Fox at Navan.

This represented a triumph for the sponsor, as J P McManus has this Presenting gelding with Tom Taaffe, and the well-fancied 100/30 shot led travelling well at the second last flight.

From there it was plain sailing for the Leopardstown Christmas Festival beaten favourite, and he crossed the line three lengths to the good from Dave's Stamper (a nicely backed 9/2 chance himself).

"He liked the track when he ran here before, and we'll try to find another little handicap for him," stated Taaffe.

"Two miles around here on soft ground is like two and a half anywhere else. He travelled well and jumped well." (AM & EM)