Willie Mullins won his eighth Hennessy Gold Cup thanks to a superb display from Quel Espirirt at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The win is likely to seal the horse's place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, but punters may be put off him by the depleted field in the Hennessey.
Quito De La Roque, Synchronised and Jessies Dream all dropped out in the run-up to the race meaning Quel Spirit was one of only six to start.
However, he still had to win the race and, with Ruby Walsh on board, he was always unlikely to be complacent and eventually finished two lengths ahead of Roberto Goldback.
Despite the poor field, Mullins was pleased with the win and believes his horse could be the surprise package in the Gold Cup.
"Ruby gave him a very brave ride. He got him jumping and galloping and the horse threw in a few fabulous leaps when he needed to" Mullins told the Racing Post.
"We always thought he was a fantastic jumper at home and we were surprised when he fell a couple of times last year. The likelihood is that we'll have a crack at the Gold Cup."