A fifth place in the Galway Plate on Wednesday didn't leave a mark on Sub Lieutenant in the extended two mile six chase on today's card.

He tanked along for Davy Russell and assumed the lead after jumping the third last. A closing Kalondra (in third) fell at the second-last and slightly hampered Saturnas who then blundered at the last.

Russell kicked clear on Sub Lieutenant after the last and Sandymount Duke could make no impression in second.

Sub Lieutenant was kept up to his work to prevail by seven and a half lengths and justify 5/4 favouritism.

Sandymount Duke finished second at 11/2. He came in half a length in front of Haymount at 12/1.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: “It was a super ride from Davy and hopefully it will give the horse some confidence to get him back to where he was. I thought he ran well on Wednesday but it’s lovely for him to win one there now.

“He won well but I think he was entitled to on ratings. The better the ground the better his chance. He had a tough year last year so it’s great to win one and hopefully we’re back on track again.

“The 2m4f race in Gowran may be a bit sharp for him and there is also a 3m1f race at Punchestown in mid-October so we’ll see.”

This brought up a double for Russell who also scored on Lizzies Champ

Additional reporting by Alan Magee