Noble Talent was strong over the two-and-a-half-mile trip on offer in the Gerry Comerford Drilling Beginners Chase at Gowran Park.

The seven-year-old Getaway gelding made good headway to join Brucejack at the head of affairs approaching the home straight.

The pair were locked together jumping three out and Noble Talent just shaded it up and over the next.

He pulled out a bit more than his rival at the last and a good jump sealed the deal as the pursuing Brucejack crashed through it without lifting a leg.

Danny Mullins drove Noble Talent home by a widening seven and a-half lengths at 11/1 from Brucejack (16/1). Ballycashin was another length and a-half back in third at 14/1.

Tom Nagle said: “When we saw the entries, we said we'd run if Danny was happy to ride him.

“Danny rang me the other day and walked the track and said he'd like to ride him. I have to thank him for this.

“JJ (Slevin) and Danny both said he should do well over fences. Danny walked this on Wednesday and told me the ground was lovely, in Mallow it was too quick for him.

“He needs three miles but we were quite happy with that. He'll handle a good bit softer than this.

“Jumping is a big strong point with him. He's a funny little horse, Danny pulled out wide as I don't think he likes being bullied inside in a big bunch.

“We had a cute man riding him. Have you ever seen a jockey to keep improving so much? He's brilliant.

“He works for small trainers really well because he puts a lot into it.

“JJ was suggesting to me that we should be looking at the Tim Duggan, he said that after Sligo. Danny said the same, that we should be looking at a decent handicap.

“He was thinking we could go out to three or three-and-a-half miles with him.

“He's in good order and fences seem to be improving him. He's something to look forward to.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson