A mistake three out threatened to scupper the gamble on Macidoni in the Irish Racing Post Handicap Hurdle but the German-bred was soon back on an even keel. Carlowsantana looked a likely winner up the straight but Conor Maxwell forced Macidoni up along the rail on the run-in, going on to win by two and a half lengths.

Mervyn Torrens trains the winner for his wife Anne and he said: "A step-up in trip wouldn't do him any harm. We'll see what the handicapper does now."

For Maxwell this was a thirteenth winner of the season to leave him three behind Shane Hassett in the conditional riders' standings. His claim is now reduced to 3Ibs on the back of this winner.