Solness, near side, beats Hamundarson in Foxrock© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien's Solness was another horse to make all in Leopardstown when he took the beginners' chase on the card. Hamundarson stayed on to try and make a race of it at the final fence and the pair raced track-width apart on the run-in.
Solness had the measure of Hamundarson in the closing stages, though, as he powered home along the stands-side rail to win by a healthy four and three-quarter lengths to justify 4/5 favouritism.
Hamundarson (13/2) emerged with credit from a runner-up spot as he hadn't been seen on a racecourse since December 2021.
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: “It was a nice run last time. The first time out for us he was very keen and last time he dropped him in.
“JJ thought today if there was no pace he'd let him bowl along. He said every now and then he locked on and I think in a stronger race you probably would drop him in a little bit.
“He's a very good jumper, touch wood. I'm glad that bit of rain came as well as he does like soft or heavy ground in an ideal world.
“He's going to be a good fun horse for them (Bronsan Racing). They might find something at Fairyhouse or Punchestown for him.
“He's a young horse, he's only had six or seven runs in his life, he's on the up. It's great for the owners who have put a few quid into the game.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
