The six-year-old's trainer Colm Murphy was a relieved man afterwards because a couple of his horses had run disappointingly during the week and he said, "We have more belief now heading to Cheltenham." He said of Big Zeb "I think he's a proper horse and he was unlucky in bumpers to come up against Clopf. It's only now that he's learning what to do and settling better. He'll go for a little hurdle somewhere and then, hopefully, on to Punchestown."

The trainer went on to issue an upbeat bulletin on his stable star Brave Inca as he prepares to defend his Champion Hurdle crown. He said, "I couldn't be happier with him and he's in serious order. He just needs a bit of luck now."

Tom Ryan's mount Will Jamie Run was first past the post in division one of the race but after a lengthy Stewards inquiry into possible interference between himself and the runner-up Classic Vic after the last, the placings were reversed in favour of the Robert Powerridden Classic Vic who is trained by Jessica Harrington. Derravarra Eagle triumphed in the As You Like it Restaurant Hurdle.