The IAWS Thyestes Handicap Chase was one of the few big races to escape Charlie Swan as a rider, but he put the record straight when saddling This Is Serious to land the 85,000 euro prize.
'He stays well, and loves soft ground so we decided to have a go,' explained Swan after running the 8yo gelding from 9lb out of the handicap proper.
The Bunny Boiler fell just after striking the front three out, and This Is Serious headed English raider Birkdale approaching the last before staying on well under David Casey for a 2 1/2L victory.
Badger's Wood was a further 13L adrift in third, while Danny Howard suffered a suspected broken collarbone after his mount Folliday crashed out when in front six out.
'He is entered for the Grand National at Aintree and, if he is balloted out, the Midlands National at Uttoxeter is a possible alternative,' said Swan.
Sackville returned to action in the 3m conditions hurdle, but did little to enhance his Cheltenham Gold Cup prospects when a soundly beaten third behind Be My Belle.
The Frances Crowley-trained gelding was never travelling well, jumped slowly and made a couple of mistakes notably at the hurdle in front of the stands with a circuit to run.
'David (Casey) said he hated the ground (heavy), and was never travelling. Today's race is not that important but I would have to say I am a bit disappointed,' said Crowley.
She added, 'He missed a week after Christmas with a dirty nose and his blood was also wrong. Unless anything shows up after this race, he will go for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.'
Bookmakers reacted by pushing out the 9yo for the Gold Cup, with Ladbrokes going 10/1 (from 8/1), while Paddy Power and Cashmans both quote him at 8/1 (from 7's) for the Cheltenham feature.
Emotional Moment maintained trainer Tom Taaffe's recent run of success when completing a hat-trick in the handicap hurdle, swooping late to deny topweight Cronin's Boy by 2L.
Crusset, who only joined local trainer Tony Mullins three weeks ago, took the 4YO maiden hurdle in fine style.
Paul Carberry eased the gelding right down in the closing stages to record a 2L winning margin over It's A Gimme.
The dual bumper winner Beef Or Salmon opened his jumping account when sent on early in the straight by Paul Hourigan to beat Boneyarrow by 5L in the winners hurdle.
Tippthecat broke down badly after the last when set to land the 2m4f handicap chase, leaving Political Animal to gain a fortunate win.
Yogi (Adrienne Foley) just touched off Greywell in a driving finish to the bumper.
