Thelobstercatcher finished second to Realt Dubh in his days 'between the flags' before getting off the mark in that sphere and on his fifth attempt under Rules the grey made the breakthrough on the racecourse to give Carlow trainer, Willie Murphy, his second winner of the week. Vinnie won for the Ballycurragh Stud operator on Tuesday at Tipperary and indeed his only runner since, Bold Bibi was second at Punchestown on Wednesday.

Here in-form Niall 'Slippers' Madden (fresh from a Punchestown double on Wednesday), got to the front on the successful Silver Patriarch gelding before the last before going on to outpoint fellow 11/4 joint-favourite, Warhead by seven lengths.

Murphy said: "He was sick through the winter and he'd probably prefer a longer trip. He is bred for staying chasing. The owner, George Moore has three horses with me, including Highglen, who won here this year (on New Year's Day)." Moore owns a nursing home in Wales and also has horses with Peter Bowen.