Mahler Ten (inside) and Fire In His Eyes jump the last together© Photo Healy Racing
Barry Geraghty picked up another winning spare ride, as he completed his first Irish four-timer on Fire In His Eyes in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.
Geraghty earlier stood in for Ruby Walsh on Woodford Island and he again replaced the champion jockey on Fire In His Eyes.
In between those wins he managed to complete a double for his boss JP McManus, guiding both Irish Bulletin and Landofhopeandglory to victory.
Fire In His Eyes, who was recording his third win from five racecourse starts, was sent off the 2/1 second favourite, with stable mate Balzac Turgot going to post the 5/6 market leader.
Having raced in a share of second throughout, the winner was pushed along entering the straight, and was ridden to challenge approaching the last.
He jumped the final flight in a share of the lead, and battled gamely on the run-in to see off Mahler Ten by half a length.
The runner-up was returned at 7/1 under Ger Fox for Noel Meade, while the aforementioned market leader was four and a half lengths back in third with David Mullins in the saddle.
Gordon Elliott, who was completing a double on the card along with owners Gigginstown House Stud, said afterwards: "He's a nice horse. He doesn't show much at home and is a big slow galloping horse.
"He's the type of horse you'd like and should make a right chaser next year.
"I'd say he could step up in trip and he'd love a bit of softer ground as well."
Barry Geraghty added: "That's the first time I've had a four-timer in Ireland, I've had a few in England alright.
"Gordon's horses are flying and I got two spares from him, and they were nice rides to get. I had two for the boss in the middle which was good too.
"I was always happy on this lad. He had a sloppy jump going away from the stands but I was always competitive and on their heels. I felt that when push came to shove that there was still a bit in the locker.
"He pulled out well and I was always happy enough that I'd get there. I'd say what he wants is a fence and a trip."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
