Steven Hunt and John O'Shea of the Dubs V's Culchies Syndicate were in attendance when St Devote finished runner-up at Galway but they missed seeing their charge land the feature on day five at Listowel, the Guinness Handicap Hurdle. The big success provided battle-scarred Barry Geraghty (had his broken nose re-set this morning) with a welcome 31st birthday present.

St Devote had the measure of Slieveardagh when that one crashed out at the last and he went on to see off Star Wood by three lengths.

Winning trainer Eoin Griffin said: "It's great to get it and I'm delighted with him. We think a fair bit of him at home. When the rain came he had his chance. He'll have a break now and we'll find something for him in Cheltenham in November when some of the owners will hopefully be able to come. He'll be a better chaser in time.

"Barry is a thorough professional and I was delighted to have him as he knows the horse well. I'm glad he won as I forgot to get Barry a present!"

Meanwhile Geraghty commented: "He jumped away well and it was a good performance."