Well Run provided back to form Noel Meade and his stable jockey Paul Carberry with their first success in the Powers Ulster Grand National, the highlight of the racing calendar at Downpatrick.
The Saddlers' Hall gelding made virtually all and stayed on strongly for a comfortable five and a half lengths victory over Forest Leaves.
Incidentally Well Run's previous win at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day marked the start of Meade's barren run that only ended with a double at Punchestown last week.
'He worked well in front the other morning and I told Paul I didn't mind if he made it. I'm keen to go for the Irish National and we came here as he probably needs to go up a few pounds to get into that race,' said Meade.
News Item's bid for a hat-trick in this three and a half miles event ended early when he blundered at the first and unseated Johnny Farrelly.
Prolific point-to-point winner Alert The Earth booked his ticket for the Foxhunters at Cheltenham when making an impressive debut under rules.
The eight-year-old quickened clear for Mark O'Hare approaching the second last to beat Ashfield Present by eight lengths, and gets a 12/1 quote from Cashmans for his Festival target.
Championship leader Davy Russell moved onto the 109 winner mark for the season, 12 ahead of Ruby Walsh, as Outlaw Princess also successfully adopted front-running tactics in the mares novice chase.
The Philip Fenton-trained mare attacked her fences with zest, and maintained a strong gallop to beat Carmens Ford by eight lengths.
Preswell Lad also made all in the bumper for Emmet Mullins and survived a stewards inquiry after hitting a doll about half a mile out.
Hidden Agent justified good support (3/1-7/4fav) in the opening opportunity maiden hurdle, always prominent and driven clear by Sonny Carey on the uphill run to the line for an 8L verdict over Mhilu.
'He was entitled to win a maiden hurdle and the plan now is to sent him chasing at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting. He's got a nice pedigree as the grandam is Shannon Spray,' said Arthur Moore.
Ring Street Roller caused a shock in the mares novice hurdle, and trainer Jimmy Lambe confessed afterwards that she was only re-routed from a meeting at Catterick as the Larne ferry was cancelled due to high winds.
The 20/1 chance struck the front at the final flight under John Cullen before striding clear to beat fellow outsider Naujella Girl by six lengths.
Robert McCarth's professional career got off to an unfortunate start in this race aboard uneasy 5/4 favourite My Valley as the Pat Fahy-trained mare blundered badly and unseated her rider when disputing the lead at halfway.
Eddie Power had the pleasure of getting one over on champion Ruby Walsh in a dour finish as Theicecreamfellow showed tremendous guts to take the handicap hurdle.
The 22-year-old Thurles rider recorded his 24th success as his mount rallied gamely when headed at the last by Blaze Trailer, eventually scoring by a length.
'It's a great feeling to get the better of Ruby as he's beaten me many times,' said Power.
Alan Magee
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