The 4-year-old bumper was run at a very sedate pace and in the sprint to the line Any Givin Sunday (11/2, as big as 22/1 in the morning) found most to score by half a length from Sin A Bhfuil (7/1).

These two had been at the head of affairs throughout and nothing else could land a blow with the 13/8 favourite Mars Harper finishing another length and a half back in third.

5lb claimer Aine O’Connor deputised for Pat Taaffe aboard the winner, a son of Califet whose progeny include the likes of Cilaos Emery and Clarcam.

Elaine Taaffe, wife of winning trainer Tom Taaffe, said: "It’s a shame Pat (Taaffe) couldn’t be here but he’s just not well enough with a flu. That is one of his favourite horses and he was so looking forward to that ride today.

“Tom (Taaffe) bought him as a foal and we’ll probably go hurdling with him now. I’m delighted for the Hays who are lovely owners in the yard.

“Aine (O'Connor) said there was a lot left in the tank and I loved the way it took a while to pull him up.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

"