Quel Esprit looked a class apart in the opening Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles and so it proved as he sauntered to an effortless victory.

Paul Townend had the 2/7 favourite prominent throughout in the 2m2f contest and he took a definite lead at the sixth last.

The grey had the Grade 3 race in safe keeping before the straight and Willie Mullins' charge popped the last two to record a 15-length victory. Whodoyouthink chased the winner down the straight but was always playing second fiddle to the facile winner.

Quel Esprit had suffered jumping problems last season but put in another assured performance and is set for a step up in class now.

"He jumped well enough and we'll up him in class now," said Mullins afterwards.

"He might come back here for the Kinloch Brae (January 19th) or maybe I should kick him up a gear and go for the Hennessy."