There were high aspirations held out for Operating earlier in his career. Now with the Jessica Harrington string at the peak of their powers and the ground riding on top, the Milan gelding made it back to back wins when landing a big success under Robbie Power in the Aon Novice Handicap Chase at Punchestown.

Operating and Road To Riches were always up there scrapping for supremacy in this two mile five furlong event.

In the end it was Operating that prevailed by three parts of a length with six lengths back to the third placed The Romford Pele

Mrs Harrington said: "This has actually been the plan all year for this horse and he'd just been disappointing a bit earlier on, but that was on heavy ground.

"It was much better when he won at Cork last time and that gave him confidence.

"He jumped great today and he stayed galloping.

"I'd suppose he might end up a Galway Plate horse.

"He's a good ground horse anyway and I'll have to treat him like a good ground horse.

"I thought he had a great chance of winning off his weight here."

D.N. Russell, rider of Some Tikket trained by D. T. Hughes, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount jumped poorly throughout.

A.E. Lynch, rider of Sizing Gold trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled or jumped throughout.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Sizing Gold, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(GC & EM)