Connections are hoping Wicklow Brave can make the most of another suitable opportunity in the Kerrymaid Hurdle at Listowel this afternoon.

The smart dual-purpose performer, trained by Willie Mullins, has won his last three races, all on the Flat, having had his sights lowered of late.

The nine-year-old appears to have frightened away most of the serious opposition with just three horses in opposition.

“He’s fallen into some nice opportunities this summer,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father.

“He hadn’t won for a long time previously so it’s doing his confidence the world of good because he’s been difficult to place.

“He’s a little bit older and probably not quite as good as he used to be to compete at the very top level and carry top-weights in handicaps, so these races have been great for him.”

Earlier in the year, Wicklow Brave ran in such races as the English and Irish Champion Hurdles and the Yorkshire Cup before finishing second in the Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary on his last start over jumps.

Andy Slattery runs Cooldine Bog who got off the mark in a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan last month, while Gordon Elliott’s Vengeful and the James Nash-trained My Manekineko complete the quartet.