Listowel’s bumper became a home straight sprint after the seven runners dawdled their way round. Wicklow Brave managed to collar long-time leader Yes Sir Brian and win by a short head for Willie and Patrick Mullins.

The pair were locked together inside the final furlong and Yes Sir Brian fought back after being headed, but had to narrowly settle for second with Derek O’Connor in the saddle.

The winner justified 7/4 favouritism ahead of the 9/2 runner-up. Celtic Fashion (8/1) kept on for third, but couldn’t reel the front two in.

“I was a bit afraid he might not go on the ground, but I’m happy he does and he’ll go jumping now,” Willie Mullins said.

He also passed on good news about Pique Sous who was struck down with colic: “We are happy with him and he’ll be coming back to us in the next few days. It’s not his time of the year anyway and I imagine he’ll rest now.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes