A winner of a grueller on testing ground at Punchestown last month, Thunderosa (13/2) showed his versatility when taking Mallow Handicap Hurdle on drying yielding ground (which resulted in four non-runners).

Dermot McLoughlin ’s Westerner gelding took over from stablemate and eventual third Lee Valley Legacy after the third last and kept on well to hold the staying-on Dromore Lad (16/1) by a length and a half.

After partnering his fifth winner of the season, successful 7lbs claimer Paddy O’Hanlon remarked: "That was brilliant. I won on him two starts ago at Punchestown and was a bit worried coming here with the ground drying out.

"He stays galloping though and stuck at it well."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes