Cloone River was cheered to the rafters as he went one better than last year in the Guinness Galway Hurdle to give trainer Paul Nolan his second winner in three years in the 180,000 contest.
Nolan, successful with Say Again in 2002, saw a year-long plan executed to perfection when Cloone River, who chased home Sabadilla 12 months ago, overcame trouble in running to land a significant on-course gamble (5/1 to 7/2f).
John Cullen's mount was hampered at the second after Crimson Flower unseated Willie Slattery and was not helped by the loose horse turning for home. But he arrived at the last to claim long-time leader Gemini Guest and stayed on well to score by two lengths.
'These are the days! We were disappointed last year. We thought we had it won and he just got caught. The better ground helped this year and John Cullen gave him a great ride, ' said Nolan after the winner returned to a packed winners enclosure.
'We thought he might be a bit free early but he settled him lovely and produced him at just the right time. It's good to have a man on your side like John Cullen.'
Willie Slattery was taken to hospital with suspected fractured ribs and collapsed lung following the fall from Crimson Flower. He was reported to be fully conscious on arrival.
There was controversy when the Guinness Handicap was started five minutes early. The seventh race on the card was due off at 5.35 but the runners were sent under way at 5.30.
Stewards held an enquiry after the event but let the result stand. Charmed Forest beat Mohawk Star by a neck in the mile contest.
Adrian Lane enjoyed the perfect end to five months of injury hell when steering Pharviva (3/1) to an all-the-way success in the St James Gate Novice Hurdle.
Lane was having only his second ride back since a fall at Naas in February, which left him with a broken shoulder, punctured lung and dislocated hip.
'It's nice to get a winner at my local track. I'm from just down the road in Athenry and it's my first winner here,' said a delighted Lane after returning to a warm reception.
Swordplay was produced perfectly by Ruby Walsh in the Budweiser Novice Chase to make a winning debut over fences. Fatherofthebride also got off the mark over fences in the opening Guinness Beginners Chase.
