Almanyan has a couple of hurdle wins to his credit but it took him until effort number ten to make the breakthrough on the level, which he achieved under Billy Lee in the August Festival 13th to 16th Handicap.

Ado McGuinness' gelding led a furlong out and he kept on well to keep the staying on favourite, Lus Na Hoiche at bay by one and three parts of a length.

McGuinness said: "I was very disappointed with him at Punchestown on Wednesday. He'll probably go to Bellewstown next, it's owner Barney Carroll's local track. He had a bad injury last year. I was worried about the ground today but obviously he liked it."