Successful earlier with Dee Capo in the beginners' chase, Gordon Elliott doubled up at Leopardstown when Kovanis justified even-money favouritism in the Midland Legal Solicitors Flat Race.

An easy winner of a Portrush point-to-point for Gerald Quinn in October before being bought for £330,000 at Cheltenham the following month, the grey son of Tunis moved up to challenge Global Submission on the approach to the final furlong as the pair left behind the front-running Soir De Garde

Harry Swan 's mount forged ahead of Global Submission in the closing stages and three-parts of a length was the margin of victory.

Stable representative Lisa O'Neill said: “It took him a bit of time going through the gears, but you’d have to like what he’s done there.

“He’s only a four-year-old and still has a bit of filling out to do but Harry gave him a lovely ride.

“He showed a good, battling attitude and was really game all the way to the line. He’s a nice prospect for Gigginstown going forward and hopefully will have a nice future ahead of him.”

Quotes from Alan Magee