Quel Esprit put in an impressive performance in the Grade 3 O'Connell Transport Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle to justify odds of 8/13 under Paul Townend.

The grey was held up just behind the leaders and cantered into contention to eventually lead after two out. From there on it was just a question of how far and a huge leap at the last sealed a three length win over the gambled-on Last Draw (6/1 into 7/2).

Gary Davies was representing the winning trainer, Willie Mullins and he said: "That was a class performance. He was always travelling well and Paul just bided his time. He winged the last and he'll make an exciting chaser in time. He has already won a point-to-point (for Andy Slattery).

"It is nice to have a winner in the absence of the boss."

Quel Esprit was of course fourth in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last March and he will be heading for the three mile novice hurdle at the 2010 Festival all being well.