Real Steel led home a one-two-three for Willie Mullins in the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles.
The champion trainer launched a strong assault on the Grade Two prize formerly known as the Kinloch Brae Chase, with Footpad seemingly his chief contender following his third place in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
Despite being the highest-rated horse in the field, the eight-year-old received weight from each of his four rivals and was the 8-11 favourite to bounce back to winning ways in the hands of Daryl Jacob.
After initially being settled on the heels of the leaders, Footpad went to the front heading out onto the second circuit and produced some exuberant leaps.
However, Paul Townend covered the move aboard his stablemate Real Steel - a winner at Down Royal earlier in the season before finishing fourth behind his esteemed stable companion Min in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.
The pair had it between them rounding the home turn, but it was clear even at that stage that 2-1 shot Real Steel had far more to give and he pulled clear to seal an impressive 14-length win.
Footpad again had to make do with minor honours in second, with another Mullins inmate in Voix Du Reve back in third.
