But was just touched off in a thrilling finish by Carl Llewellyn, who also trained the winner. Llewellyn, who only took over from Mark Pitman two weeks ago as trainer in his yard, was having his first success as a licencee.

Royal Emperor (50-1), in front jumping the last fence, stuck on for third a further half a length behind, with Idle Talk fourth. Royal Emperor and Idle Talk were disputing the lead turning for home before Ladalko began to make his move in the straight.Llewellyn was just beginning to get a tune out of his mount, however, and he loomed up on the outside coming to the final fence as Idle Talk began to fade out of it. Three fine leaps at the last resulted in a pulsating three-way battle on the run-in, with Llewellyn eventually shading it. Llewellyn said: ?I wasn't sure whether I had won or not. I thought I might have got up and Ruby thought I had. ?I've now won the the Welsh, English and Scottish Nationals and, ironically, my previous best in this race was on Sweet Duke, who was beaten by Jenny Pitman's Willsford 11 years ago.

?All credit has to go to my assistant Paul Price as he does the work on this one at home."

Meanwhile, the Kevin Prendergast-trained Brazilian Bride ran out the eight length winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Naas yesterday to put herself in line for a return to the venue for the Group 3 Swordlestown Stud Sprint Stakes. Partnered by Declan McDonogh, the 5/4 favourite was greeted on her return by her owner Lady O'Reilly, whose racing manager James Kelly commented: ?She may be put away for the Heinz after that. We have a serious team of two-year-olds this season, and most of them are home-breds."

Prendergast added: ?She has a lovely pedigree, and knew her job. Everything she's done since she was broken, she's done it well."

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen teamed up for a short head success through Baynes Cross in the Naas Median Auction 3-Y-O Maiden. Sent off the 3/1 favourite, the Namid gelding fought back, once headed by Diyla, to regain the initiative in the closing stages.

Baynes Cross carries the colours of PJ O'Shaughnessy, a former All-Ireland handball champion. Weld said of Baynes Cross.

?He deserved that, and as is often the case, it's much easier win on the Metropolitan circuit, than at the country tracks. He couldn't win in Thurles, and he couldn't win in Limerick, but he's the same horse."

Rockazar, a 12/1 shot from the Ger Lyons stable, was a half length winner of the Summer Barbeque Evenings Handicap in the hands of Tadgh O'Shea, scoring by half a length from Bay Boy. Cheddar Island, the well-supported 4/1 favourite, could finish no closer than seventh.