Noble Prince gave Tony McCoy his 200th winner of the season when running out the easy winner of the Jewson Novices' Chase.
Paul Nolan's gelding got St Paddy's Day of to a flying start for the Irish when powering clear of the heavily backed Wishful Thinking.
The seven-year-old, who was well backed into 4-1, was given a supremely confident ride by McCoy and was going ominously well in third approaching two out as Wishful Thinking and Loosen My Load went head to head upfront.
After jumping two from home, McCoy then pulled out Noble Prince to make his challenge, and the gelding picked up and flew the last when the champ asked him for a big one.
He then powered up the hill to pull four lengths clear of the 7-2 jolly, with Loosen My Load staying on well to grab third a further five lengths back.
The winning trainer, who had almost lost his voice through cheering him home said: "I'm just delighted. he jumped brilliant for Tony and thank God he came up at the last. It's an unbelievable feeling."
