< The Listener made it third time lucky in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal to give Nick Mitchell his biggest training success.
Beaten in the previous two renewals of the Grade One contest, the front-running grey relished the testing conditions and dictated affairs in the hands of Andrew McNamara.
The Listener (7-1) had his task made easier when the hot favourite Notre Pere fell five out and eventually won by 15 lengths from My Will to land his first win since the Irish Hennessy in February 2008.
"I wouldn't be here without this horse, training or anything," said Mitchell.
"Andrew came to ride him 10 days ago and I said I hoped it would be heavy ground as he would see a different horse on that surface.
"That's the horse's fourth Grade One win over here. He'll probably come back for the John Durkan at Punchestown in December."
McNamara capped a fine day by completing a double on Edward O'Grady's Jack Finch (3-1) in the Rainbow Telecom Handicap Chase.
Hercomesthetruth gave Paul Nicholls back-to-back wins in the Ladbrokes.com Chase.
After success with Noland 12 months ago, the champion trainer returned with the seven-year-old who made every yard of the running under Christian Williams.
Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer was given a patient ride by Barry Geraghty in conditions that would not have suited and despite cruising up to the second-last he could not get past the gallant winner.
Harry Fry, pupil assistant to Nicholls, said of the winner: "We're delighted with that. He did it nicely and we're over the moon with him.
"He'll probably follow the same route as Noland and come back here for the John Durkan."
Forpadydeplasterer is set to travel to Sandown for the Tingle Creek Chase next month and connections were pleased with the effort.
"I'm delighted with him. He gave a good blow after the third-last and will come on for the run," said trainer Tom Cooper.
