Despite jumping markedly to his left and giving away countless lengths, he rallied on the run-in to beat Kill Devil Hill by a short-head.

“It was super,” said Meade. “He tends to jump to the left when there is no-one around him. When they quickened up he went straighter.

“The ground didn’t help him and he wasn’t concentrating the way he should. He does go left and we would prefer to race him left handed but what can we do. The Clonmel Chase is run at Clonmel so that was where we had to go.

“He would be much better going the other way.

“He’s had a great start to the season and if he didn’t run again he has already picked up two nice prizes which is what it is all about.”