Sempre Medici was sent off the red-hot 1/8 favourite for the Limestone Lad Hurdle, and the six-year-old gelding readily justified the confidence in the Grade 3 event at Naas.

Plinth was withdrawn due to a temperature leaving just three rivals against the Willie Mullins-trained ‘jolly’.

Ruby Walsh bided his time on Sempre Medici, waiting until after the second last before easing to the front.

The son of Medicean, second to Old Guard last time in the StanJames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham, was just shaken up after a mistake at the last to score by five lengths.

Massini’s Trap took the runner-up spot, with He’llberemembered another 15 lengths adrift in third.

Mullins said, “He didn't jump great but did what he had to do at the ratings. I thought he jumped one hurdle in the whole race.

“I don't know where we'll go next. The Red Mills Hurdle might be a good plan for him.

“That's plenty far enough for him against that opposition. Maybe over the longer trip he wasn't jumping as well. When he has to gallop he jumps better.”

Boylesports make him 16/1 from 25/1 for the Betfair Hurdle.

(GC & AM)