Saldier stretched right away from his rivals for an authoritative success in the qualified riders' race over an extended mile and a half in Listowel.

His victory gave Willie Mullins a double on the card (My Sister Sarah also scored) and an across-the-card treble (through Ruaille Buaille in Kilbeggan).

Saldier, the even-money favourite, drew upsides Effernock Fizz with half a mile to go and eased on rounding the home bend.

Main market rival Me Too Please moved into second straightening up but came under pressure and dropped to third as Saldier raced clear at the furlong marker.

The seven-year-old gelding streaked away to easily win by seven lengths from Brogue (5/1). Me Too Please was seven and a half lengths further back in third at 11/8.

Jockey Jody Townend said: "I had never sat on him before but I had ridden plenty work against him. That will do his head the world of good, getting him back in front and he deserved it.

"He was on level weights with Me Too Please but had my 7lb claim and he has that bit of class. Once he started passing a few horses he jumped on the bridle and had the class to go away from them.

"I'll try and keep Paddy (Mullins) away from him!"

Saldier is a double Grade One winner at Punchestown.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes