Brave Inca was unable to concede weight all round in the Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle at Down Royal this afternoon and had to settle for second behind Jessica Harrington's 4-7 favourite Macs Joy.
This year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner travelled third but was a few lengths behind the leaders for much of the race and jockey Barry Cash had to scrub the gelding along to keep him within touching distance.
The six-year-old was back on terms with Macs Joy and Barrack Buster two hurdles from home, but the former, who was receiving 10lb from Brave Inca, was always travelling cosily under Barry Geraghty and drew away for a smooth one-length success.
The winner, who also took the Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock earlier in the year, now has a host of potential engagements mapped out.
"I'm delighted, he did it very well," said Harrington. "He was entitled to win getting 10lb off Brave Inca. Barry was very happy with him.
"I don't know where he will go next. He is in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse, while Leopardstown at Christmas is a big possibility. The Tote Gold Trophy is also definitely on the cards."
The Hatton's Grace Hurdle at the end of the month could be next on the cards for Brave Inca, too, and his trainer Colm Murphy, who had forewarned that he would need the run, was also delighted with his charge's performance.
"He ran a cracker considering he was giving Macs Joy 10lb," he said.
Macs Joy was cut by Coral to 14-1 from 20-1 for next year's Smurfit Champion Hurdle, while Brave Inca remains a 12-1 chance.
Irish firm Cashmans kept the winner and the second unchanged at 14-1 and 12-1 respectively, while totesport also go 14-1 (from 16s) about Macs Joy.
PA