When he landed his bumper under his owner, Barry Connell, at Fairyhouse in February 2008, beating Fosters Cross by all of twenty one lengths, it would hardly have been envisaged that Pineau de Re's career highpoint would arrive over five years later in the Ulster National.

That's what has transpired though, as Pineau de Re brushed aside any stamina concerns when showing staying power in abundance to slam Shabra Charity by twenty three lengths in the Toals Bookmakers and European Breeders Fund-backed three and a half mile highlight.

Philip Fenton said of his charge, who led two out under Danny Mullins before asserting from the last: "The better ground was a big help. He's improved with each run of the season.

"He was a bit 'guessy' (in his jumping) early on in the season. He is progressing but he lacks a bit of scope.

"I was a bit worried that three and a half miles was too far for him. I'd say he'll bypass Punchestown as he likes a bit of time between his races.

"He could be a Midlands National or Galway Plate type but he'd have to improve a bit." (MG & EM)