William Hill have installed Tranquil Sea as their 10/1 third-favourite for next March’s Ryanair Chase following the seven-year-old’s game effort in this afternoon’s Paddy Power Chase at Cheltenham.

Not since 1980 have the Irish prevailed in the highlight of the Open Meeting, and after a mid-week gamble Tranquil Sea went off the well-backed 11-2 favourite to prevail for the Emerald Isle.

Imperial Commander became the first horse to win both the Paddy Power and the Ryanair in the same season with his double last year, following Our Vic’s separate wins in 2004 and 2008.

Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, said: ‘’The Ryanair is fast becoming the most competitive ante-post race of the Festival with a host of horses aiming towards the event as their March target. Imperial Commander racked-up the double last year, and Tranquil Sea looks to be another smart second-season recruit to the two and-a-half mile brigade.’’

Ryanair Chase: 4-1 Voy Por Ustedes, 5-1 Imperial Commander, 10-1 Barbers Shop, Tidal Bay, Tranquil Sea, 12-1 Kalahari King, Schindlers Hunt, 14-1 Chapoturgeon, Jack The Giant, 16-1 In Compliance, 20-1 Aran Concerto Scotsirish, 25-1 Massini's Maguire (EW 1/4 1,2,3)