The words of his former trainer, Charlie Mann, came to mind after Tarquinius took the second at Punchestown. The Aussie said: "He might be one for something like the Eider Chase as he wants cut in the ground and all he does is stay." Now with Gordon Elliott, the grey showed that stamina in abundance to land a good gamble in the €10 Admission Handicap Chase.

Racing in the colours of New Ross-owner, Mrs Mary Furlong for the first time, silks carried before by the likes of That's An Idea, Backspin and The Westener Boy, Tarquinius overcame the inconvenience of jumping pretty badly to his left for much of the journey. Davy Condon's mount stayed on strongly from before the last to see off High Highness by four and a quarter lengths.

Taken from as big as 3/1, first offer on the event from the bookmakers, into 6/4, Tarquinius is trained by Gordon Elliott.

He reported by phone from Cheltenham: "I'm delighted for the owners who only bought him during the week. Tom (Furlong) put in the gallop for us and he looks after it.

"The horse is in again at Thurles on Thursday and he could run there." (AM & EM)