Briar Hill had to settle for second place as Attribution showed a pleasing attitude to claim Grade Three honours in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Klairon Davis Novice Chase at Navan.
Former Champion Bumper hero and Grade One-winning novice hurdler Briar Hill was the 4-6 favourite as he continues to get his career back on track but this two-mile-one-furlong trip was always likely to be at the lower end of his range.
He was upsides the Henry de Bromhead pair of Attribution and Three Stars as they jumped the last two virtually in a line, but Attribution's superior turn of foot was the deciding factor as he flashed past the post half a length to the good over Briar Hill.
De Bromhead said of his 4-1 winner: "I'm delighted with that. He battled really well. It was a super ride from Bryan (Cooper) and he jumped well.
"They both ran a blinder, Three Stars also under a 6lb penalty. They both ran really well and I'm delighted with both of them to be honest. They both jumped well and I'm really pleased.
"Attribution might even get a bit further and we might look at the novice chase in Limerick for him."