Steps To Freedom has proved very costly to follow for a while now, and he again let down his supporters in the fifth at Punchestown, the Agnelli Motor Park Jeep Cherokee Supporting Kildare GAA Beginners Chase, succumbing to the Liam Lennon trained Howwoulduno on the run-in.

Sent off the 4/7 favourite, Steps To Freedom attempted to make all under Robbie Power for Jessica Harrington, as the winner raced mainly in fourth under Andrew McNamara.

He improved into third before three out, but he was ridden along in second at the next, as the 'jolly' continued to travel best in front.

Howwoulduno got in a better jump at the last, and he soon threw down his challenge, getting on top in the closing stages, with Steps To Freedom finding little off the bridle.

The winner, who was returned a 6/1 chance, was recording his fourth career success this afternoon, having won three hurdles (two in the UK) previously.

He was left at the start on his last outing at Down Royal, and Liam Lennon explained afterwards: “It was only a wee blip, something was just bothering him that day.

"James Smyth schooled him this morning and he has done a lot of work with him all week, and he said to Andrew to be positive."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee