The 5-6 favourite took a fierce grip early on, hitting the front before Butler settled him in mid-division.

He crept forward to take closer order and always looked to be travelling stronger than the game Relative Hero, who did not go down without a fight.

Executive Paddy regained the lead approaching the last and, despite not jumping it fluently, stayed on in the final strides to record a two-length victory.

"He kind of makes up his own mind when he wants to go," said Butler.

"When he goes, there is not too much you can do - only sit with him. But he did it well in the end.

"I've had four winners in Ireland, but it is brilliant to get off the mark over here."

Gipsy Cricketer emerged victorious from a superb duel with Beau Torero in the Weatherbys Bank Handicap Chase.

The Michael Scudamore-trained 10-year-old does not know how to run a bad race and was more than happy to knuckle down and scrap it out in the extended two-mile contest.

Sent off a 3-1 shot, Gipsy Cricketer was briefly headed after the last by his chief rival but got back up in a thrilling finish to strike by a neck.

Winning jockey Tom Scudamore said: "He landed a bit steep at the last but he has always run his race and has deserved to win a couple this year.

"That is about as good as he is, but he has enjoyed it around here - he has loved the track."

The well-backed Altilhar made a successful hurdling bow in the Wensum Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

Gary Moore's Dynaformer gelding, ridden by Noel Fehily, was held up in touch through much of the race as Luckylover made most of the running.

But the 5-4 favourite always travelled as if he had plenty in reserve and so it proved at the business end of the contest.

He was ridden to lead after two flights out and was soon clear of runner-up Luckylover, who finished eight lengths in arrears.

Fehily said: "He is a nice horse and they never went quick enough for him really. But he did it well in the end.

"He jumped great and has been well-schooled. He will be better in a better-run race."