Racing: Nickname (9-10 favourite) cemented his reputation as one of the leading two-mile chasers around with a stylish victory in the Byrne Group plc Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown today.
The race was billed as a match between the current champion chaser Newmill and a potential champion in the shape of Martin Brassil's charge.
However, spectators were robbed somewhat when Newmill departed four from home as the race was beginning in earnest.
As the rest of the field emerged from the descending mist, Steel Band looked as if he could pose a threat to the winner, but when Ruby Walsh asked his mount he shot seven lengths clear to add another Grade Two to his impressive roll of honour.
Central House (12-1) stuck on gamely for second, with the 100-1 outsider Steel Band a gallant third.
William Hill make the winner a 6-1 chance (from 10-1) for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
De Valira had his Supreme Novices' Hurdle hopes dented when he could only finish second behind Orbit O'Gold in the Byrne Group plc Novice Hurdle.
Noel Meade's winner was unsighted in the competitive Pierse Hurdle on his last start and as a result was sent off at 50-1 for his return to novice company.
Sent to the front early under Niall 'Slippers' Madden, he was never headed and ran out a three-length winner.
De Valira (6-4) travelled sweetly for much of the race but could not find any extra in the closing stages.
Perce Rock was sent off favourite but proved a major disappointment and dropped away tamely under Tony McCoy.
Meade joked: "As far as the handicapper is concerned that wasn't a great idea!
He added: "He ran in the Pierse Hurdle and I made Paul (Carberry) ride him as I thought he had the best chance of my two, but he ran disappointingly.
"He wears ear plugs as he tends to freak out a bit, but he always goes well at home.
"The lads are keen to go to Cheltenham and he is entered in a few races, but I think after that we'll go for the two-miler (Supreme Novices')."
BetDirect and totesport go 16-1 from 66-1 for the Cheltenham Festival opener, with Sean Graham 25-1 and William Hill 33-1 (from 100-1).