In the race itself, it was Appreciate It who took them along, and he jumped well on his first outing outside of novice company. In behind, Fastorslow also travelled sweetly and jumped well, whereas Galopin Des Champs’s jumping, particularly in the early stages, was lacklustre.

There was a moment early between the last two fences when it looked as though Appreciate It might be able to steal it, but Fastorslow picked up nicely and jumped the last quickly enough to mount a challenge.

Galopin Des Champs was also within range to get seriously involved but it was Fastorslow who found most to edge out the longtime leader by half a length, with Galopin Des Champs a length and a quarter further behind.

“It’s a lovely race to win as I knew John very well, and this is the 25th renewal of this race,” said a delighted Brassil.

“We would have been delighted if he was in the first three. It was a tactically, steady-run race, and he never gave him too much to do, and it worked out well. He was in a good place, he went the shortest way around, jumped really well, and nearly travelled too well for the first mile of the race — he was in his hands a bit, and ran into the odd fence because they were going too steady. But he’s just a very good horse, and there’s a lot to look forward to with him.

“He needed to back up that Punchestown (Gold Cup) run. People might have thought we were mad running in the race here in the spring, but he beat really good horses that day, and did the same today, so it's onwards and upwards.” 

Brassil suggested that onwards likely means a trip to Leopardstown at Christmas.

“He’s a horse that takes his racing well and it’s four and a half weeks to the Savills, so we’ll see what happens. The horse will tell us.” 

Bookmakers were suitably impressed with the display and cut him to a general 5-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while Galopin Des Champs eased out to as big as 100-30. Gerri Colombe, despite being at home in his Cullentra stable, was shortened to 4-1 in places, but is as low as 10-3.