Neddyvaughan appreciated the step back to two miles to take the Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

The Christy Roche-trained gelding, runner-up twice in recent weeks over an extra half-mile, was breaking his duck here at the fifteenth attempt.

The son of Irish Derby winner St Jovite was well supported this morning from 13/2 into 4/1 but wasn’t as popular on track and drifted out to 11/2 at the off.

The five-year-old travelled supremely well under Mark Walsh to lead approaching the final flight, and was just pushed out on the run-in to score by two and three quarter lengths. Broughtons Star the 7/2 favourite, took the runner-up spot with Ardera Cross another five and a half lengths away in third. Accordion Twilight completed the places in fourth as curiously the quartet were also the top four highest weighted in this 80-95 rated event.