Buachaillbocht (7/4f) held on from fast-finishing He's Home Again in the novice handicap hurdle at Punchestown.

The favourite overwhelmed Ballycashin straightening for home and soon moved clear.

He got lonely, though, and his stride shortened as he idled before the last which he was slow over. He's Home Again jumped it in fourth, but soon zoomed into second and thrust home, however, Buachaillbocht and Mark Walsh clung on by half a length from the 25/1 runner-up. Howdoyalikeherhome was five lengths adrift in third at 40/1.

Trainer Ted Walsh said: “He’s going the right way. He’s won three now and might win another one.

“He’s a grand stamp of a horse, jumps well and if he takes to fences there is a nice chase in him down the line.”

Buachaillbocht now has two hurdle victories from Punchestown and one from Tramore.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee