Robert Tyner's patience was repaid handsomely as Spring The Que ran out a stylish winner of the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The Kinsale handler had been aiming the gelding at the 130,000 contest last season before a back injured scuppered plans.
Promising claimer Philip Enright excelled on the 16/1 shot, delivering him to lead early in the straight and keeping him going for a comfortable two-and-a-half length victory over the fast-finishing Mister Hight.
'He was spot on today. We did a lot of work with him after his last run,' said Tyner afterwards.
'He had to come on from that as it was his first start for a year-and-a-half. He was 15lb better with the winner View Mount Prince today.'
'He was laid out for this last year but injured his back. I've been thinking about this race for two-and-a-half years!
'I was a bit worried that he was too close and that he might not get home in the ground. We'll look at the County Hurdle now but I haven't really been thinking beyond today.'
Point Barrow advertised his Aintree Grand National claims when staying on strongly to get up on the run-in and claim the Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase.
Timmy Murphy gave last year's Irish National winner a perfectly timed ride, creeping into contention and wearing down A New Story close home for a three-parts-of-a-length victory.
'I said all week that Point Barrow was my best chance of a winner. He's never been in better form,' said trainer Pat Hughes.
'I would love to go for the English National. He's capable of winning a three-mile hurdle and he'll stick to those now. I would like to give him a rest and then build up to April.'
The winner was cut to 20/1 (from 33/1) for the Aintree showpiece with both Sean Graham and William Hill.
There was plenty of drama in the closing stages of the Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase.
Mister Top Notch led into the last in the Grade 2 event but crashed out leaving Justpourit in front.
Dessie Hughes' charge looked assured of victory but stopped to a walk on the run-in. Hear The Echo, and Davy Russell, swooped past close home to land the spoils by a length-and-a-half.
'He jumps and gallops all day,' said trainer Mouse Morris of the winner. 'He needs three miles'. The Grade 1 PJ Moriarty Chase at the track on February 10th is a possible target.
Patrick Mullins conjured a storming late run from Adamant Approach to get up close home and pip Artiste Bay by a head in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle.
Willie Mullins revealed afterwards that the winner will probably go to Cheltenham while Fairyhouse and Punchestown are also on the cards for the 13-year-old.
The complexion of the PBS Beginners Chase changed dramatically at the second last with three fallers, including favourite 6/4f Khetaam.
Oran Climate avoided the carnage and led before the last for a convincing seven-length success over Ballytrim.
Lukie Victor emerged the narrow victor after a fighting it out neck and neck with Jigalo in the first division of the SM Morris Handicap Hurdle while Killeen Castle made virtually all under Ruby Walsh to claim the second division.
