Willie Mullins added another big prize to his impressive tally as Adamant Approach captured the E130,000 Pierse Handicap Hurdle at a sunny Leopardstown.
Ruby Walsh's mount was always travelling well just behind the leaders as Bob Justice took the field along, and went past the gambled-on Janidou on the run to the final flight.
Native Scout emerged from the pack to give chase, but a slightly hesitant jump didn't help his cause and he eventually went down by 1 1/2 lengths.
'It's lovely to win this race at last, I've been trying long enough !' said a beaming Mullins afterwards. 'That's the third big handicap this horse has run in, and he's got sharper for each one.'
'I was surprised there were no British runners as I think they are well-treated against ours,' he continued, adding that Adamant Approach will now be aimed at the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Walsh later added a second winner aboard Cailin's Perk in the 74-109 handicap hurdle, although he had fortune very much on his side as the filly was held in second when left in front at the last.
Born Flyer was set for a comfortable victory when taking a terrible fall at that final flight which both the horse and jockey Tom Treacy were lucky to walk away from.
The remainder of the card was dominated by in-form trainer Arthur Moore, who recorded a marvellous 55/1 treble.
Lyreen Wonder provided the highlight when turning in a superb front-running performance to see off the heavily-supported Rince Ri in a thrilling battle for the Pierse Leopardstown Chase.
The dual Troytown winner jumped for fun under Barry Cash and kept on in the gamest fashion to hold the top-weight's late challenge, with the pair a distance clear of the rest.
'If there was a prize for ride of the season, that would have to be right up there,' said a delighted Moore. 'Barry was superb and so was the horse, and we'll have to consider the English National for him now.'
'He stays really well and we'll probably have to go across the water for his next run, for something like the De Vere Gold Cup or Midlands National - he must go left-handed,' he continued.
The Gatherer (9/10 - 4/5f) earlier sparked off a memorable day for his handler when comfortably landing the opening 2m hurdle, thus justifying connections' decision to miss the feature event.
'The conditions of the race suited him there, and he had a nice spin round,' said trainer Arthur Moore after the 5l defeat of Hyderabad. 'The Tote Gold Trophy (for which he receives a 4 lb penalty) is his target,' he continued.
Winner number three for the stable arrived courtesy of Farinel, like The Gatherer sporting the JP McManus silks, who fairly trounced the opposition in the 3m handicap hurdle.
Moore will now consider a tilt at the final of the Pertemps Series at Cheltenham for the five year-old, who is likely to face a hefty rise in the ratings after his eight-length verdict over Nipitinthebud.
Silver Steel was another to produce an exhibition round in taking the 2m5f novice chase under Alan Crowe, making all and keeping on well to contain Regal Venture and favourite Ellenjay.
'I was a little worried that his confidence might be affected by his heavy fall last time,' admitted Christy Roche, who may aim his charge at a similar event at Naas in two weeks time.
A number of well-touted newcomers lined up for the concluding bumper, and it was Kicking King (9/4-5/2-9/4) who came out on top, making all to deny Jericho by four lengths.
Trainer Tom Taaffe admitted that Cheltenham was 'on the cards' for the Old Vic gelding, for which he is a 16/1 chance with Paddy Power and Cashmans.
