Mallowney got off the mark over fences on his second attempt, as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase, scoring under Andrew McNamara for trainer Tim Doyle.

With the defection of Mozoltov (lame), Ned Buntline and Mallowney dominated the market for the two mile contest, with the Noel Meade trained former going off the even money favourite.

Mallowney, who was 9/1 overnight with Paddy Power when Mozoltov was still engaged, was available at just 5/2 when that rival came out, and having opened at 7/4 on-course he was backed in to 6/4 at the off.

The victorious eight-year-old son of Oscar disputed the lead in the early stages before taking up the running after the third fence.

He maintained his lead into the straight, and he was pushed out on the run-in to beat Ned Buntline and Paul Carberry by two and a quarter lengths, with Golanbrook a further six lengths back in third under Bryan Cooper for Tom Foley.

Tim Doyle said afterwards: "I thought that was a good performance. He jumped like a real two mile chaser.

"I know he likes this place but he will have to go somewhere else now. He is in at Leopardstown or we might look at the Flyingbolt for him.

"We will step him up in grade and see what he can do.

"Andrew was happy with him and said he was up to a bit more class. I was delighted with his jumping."

Mallowney, who finished second to Mozoltov on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse last month, was recording his fourth career success this afternoon, and his third at Naas, having won a handicap hurdle and a Listed hurdle over the course last year.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson