Walsh, who was riding for English trainer Paul Nicholls, was left in front after three fences following the fall of The Listener and he had to make all the rest of the running. Despite appearing to lack concentration Taranis was goaded on by the superb Walsh and although he tried to run out two fences from home Ruby would have none of it and stirred Taranis to a 5 length victory over Justified.

"That was tough work, " Walsh said afterwards. "Taranis does not like being in front and I had to work to keep him up to the job. I thought once or twice that Taranis might be losing interest and when Justified came on the scene he looked a real challenger.

But Taranis had plenty left in the tank and when he jumped the last clear I knew we had it in the bag."

Trainer Nicholls said: "This is my first win in this race. I was second here with See More Business, which Ruby also rode. I must congratulate him on his efforts today."

As for the future, Taranis is being aimed at the King George VI chase at Kempton Park at Christmas but he may run before then in the Durkan Chase at Punchestown. "It's nice to win today's race for it's a Grade One and Taranis is not yet at his peak."

Trainer Charlie Swan was successful in the other grade race, the 50,000 Killultagh Properties Chase. One Cool Cookie finished alone in the Grade 3 affair after the other two runners, Knights Legend and Justpourit, had crashlanded.

The two horses, who fell before the third last fence, appeared to be none the worse for their experience.

Trainer John Kiely had a winner with his first runner at Down Royal as Ri Na Deife scored at 10/1 in the William Ewart Properties Handicap Hurdle.

Kiely said: "I have ridden at Down Royal when I was a jockey and I was successful for the late Peter McCreery."

Noel Meade continued his winning run when Muirhead won the opening Bartlett Maiden Hurdle. The win was Meade's fourth at the two day meeting following a treble on Friday.

Afterwards Muirhead was quoted at 25/2 by Sean Graham for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham and Taranis was given a 12/1 quote by Graham for the King George Vi Chase.