Trafford Lad (5-2) maintained his 100% record over fences with an authoritative display in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse.

He was awarded his first race over fences in the stewards' room but there was no need for them to intervene today as Tom Doyle kicked on turning into the straight with only Forpadydeplasterer for company.

Two good leaps over the final two fences sealed the prize and the winner has now won at the highest level over both hurdles and fences.

Forpadydeplasterer looked a tired horse in second and was five and a half lengths away at the post.

Rare Bob, demoted in Trafford Lad's first race over fences, showed that performance was no fluke with a big run in third.

Sky Bet cut the winner to 12/1 (from 16s) for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Chase at Cheltenham. Boylesports were even more impressed and make Trafford Lad their 10/1 favourite.

Winning trainer Dusty Sheehy said: "He loves jumping fences and I couldn't be more pleased.

"He is what I've always said, he is a real machine, a top-class horse. He is so laid-back and takes everything in his stride.

"You can work him with a 90-rated horse at home and he'll only beat them a neck, that's the type of horse he is.

"He's versatile regarding ground but I think he'll be better on better ground. He's entered in the three-mile race at Leopardstown over Christmas and we'll have a look at that. In a recession you need all you can get.

"You dream about Cheltenham and we'll look at the SunAlliance. I'd love to go to Cheltenham but he has the Powers Gold Cup back here as an alternative."

Tom Cooper said of the runner-up: "I'm happy enough but there wasn't much pace early and the plan wasn't to make the running.

"He jumped from fence to fence and we'll look at Leopardstown over Christmas. He has a range of options between two and three miles and I haven't decided which race to go for."