Although Noland could not justify his position as 7/4 favourite of The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy,owner John Hales was "delighted" with the performance of his fledgling chaser, who took a fast-finishing third up the Cheltenham hill.

Hales was anxious about his horse’s jumping and refused to look as he took the second-last, where his talented chaser Granit d’Estruval had fallen and died at the Paddy Power Chase at Cheltenham in November.

Hales need not have worried for Noland’s jumping was faultless. If he lacked in any department, it was having the speed to go with the leader and connections confirmed that the horse’s future will be over longer. "This is the last time you’ll see him over two miles, we’ll definitely step him up know," said Hales. Trainer Paul Nicholls, too, was convinced the horse’s future lay over three miles. The ultra-consistent Kruguyrova took second place which heartened trainer Charlie Egerton.

"We’re very pleased with that. No complaints about the ground a all," he said. For AP McCoy, Kruguyrova’s rider, it was his second runner-up spot in succession. "She’s very tough, I thought that was the sort of race she would run and be there or thereabouts. She’s a good, sound jumper who stays well and always runs to a very good consistent level" said McCoy.