Sent off the 4-11 market leader, the Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old was settled in behind the leaders by Ruby Walsh, but cruised ominously to dispute the lead after jumping the fourth from home.
The result was in little doubt from this stage as he went into a clear lead on the turn to the finishing post.
Although he had to be pushed right out to the line, Master Minded still came home seven lengths clear of Well Chief.
There was drama at the start of the two-mile contest, with two false starts called due to Marodima running away with Nick Scholfield.
Meanwhile, Cooldine galloped his rivals into the ground when running out a wide-margin winner of the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The 9-4 favourite was always close to the pace in the hands of Ruby Walsh and it was ominous for his rivals when he cruised to the front two from home.
Fellow Irish raider Horner Woods briefly looked a danger as the turned into the straight but Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old saw out the three-mile trip best of all to score by 16 lengths.
Lion
Cooldine, who jumped and travelled with great zest throughout, was giving Mullins and Walsh a double on the card after Mikael D’Haguenet struck in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.
Horner Woods was a largely-unconsidered 66-1 chance but belied his starting odds to fill the runner-up spot under Robbie Power.
Massini’s Maguire was also up with the pace for much of the contest and despite making one or two errors, he kept on to pick up some place prize-money - albeit another nine lengths adrift of the imperious winner.
Mullins said: “I have to say that I did feel he was my best punt of the day.
“I couldn’t believe how well Mikael (D’Haguenet) won in the race earlier so I had to be confident.
“He jumped so well, but an hour and a half before the race we had a scare as one of our girls said he was lame.
“He had a problem with a shoe so we just ended up having to stick one (another shoe) on him.”
Walsh said: “It’s wonderful. I have always loved this horse. He has a heart as big as a lion and he jumped like a stag. He’s a hell of a good horse.”
Owner Archie O’Leary said: “He looks a good horse in the making.
“Willie said he thought he had a better chance than the last winner (Mikael D’Haguenet).
“My heart hasn’t stopped yet. It was very exciting. He ran according to plan.”
Jessica Harrington said of the runner-up: “That was very nice because it certainly wasn’t expected." Tweet