Solerina, jump racing's 'iron horse', showed why she has only ever finished second twice in her career when completing her third consecutive win of the Ballymore Properties Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse today in the bravest fashion.
As ever, Solerina attempted to make all under Gary Hutchinson and had her four talented rivals stretched from a long way out.
However, the mare came under pressure and was headed by Golden Cross at the last but Hutchinson stuck to Plan A and wore down Johnny Murtagh's mount with her renowned battling style helping her to lead on the line.
Solerina arrived back into the winner's enclosure to cheers of approval with her delighted winning owner John Bowe mentioning 'that was the most exciting out of all her 20 wins!'
He added 'she may go to Navan next Saturday for the Scientific Hurdle but long-term she won't run at Cheltenham, as three miles and a left handed track do not suit her.'
Winning trainer James Bowe was again represented by his son Michael who reported 'we won't see her like ever again - she stuck out her head like a terrier and I knew she wouldn't be beaten!'
For Golden Cross' jockey Johnny Murtagh, it was a case of so near and yet so far, failing by a short head to add a Grade 1 jump race to a fair collection of big race Flat wins.
Elsewhere, John Cullen displayed immense strength in a driving finish to force Kill Devil Hill to win the Grade 1 Pierce Group Drinmore Novice Chase, to complete a double for himself and trainer Paul Nolan.
Father Matt headed Kill Devil Hill after the final fence but the 5yo responded well to Cullen's urgings to regain the lead close home for a neck win.
Nolan later reported 'I will treat Kill Devil Hill like he is a Gold Cup horse as I think an awful lot of him.'
He added 'the horse idled in front and while he will benefit from a step up in trip, I will keep him to similar races for a while yet.'
Cullen and Nolan earlier landed the opening McGarrell Reilly Homes Handicap Chase with Old Flame, who made all for an easy win.
Afterwards, Nolan reported 'I only have the horse five months and I'm thrilled to win here. He jumps and revels in the heavy ground.'
Noel Meade's Iktitaf defeated talking horse O'Muircheartaigh decisively in the Grade 1 Bet @ Bluesquare.com Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, to considerably advertise his Supreme Novice Hurdle claims in the process.
On the run to the final flight, Iktitaf moved through to head O'Muircheartaigh, eventually stretching Edward O'Grady's gelding by five lengths at the line.
Afterwards an overjoyed Meade reported 'I never got so excited about winning a race as I was then!'
He added 'Iktitaf looked very impressive there and Cheltenham in March is his number one target.'
The Geraghty family were also on the mark, with father and son Tucker and Ross landing the 3m handicap hurdle with Lovely Present while Barry partnered Tom Taaffe's Merdeka to an impressive win in the 2m2f maiden hurdle.
