There was drama before, during and after the Leopardstown November Handicap as the Flat season drew to a close with Johnny Murtagh riding a 246/1 treble including Golden Cross in the two miles feature.
Racegoers were again denied seeing Beef Or Salmon, re-routed from Down Royal, as he was withdrawn on veterinary advice less than ten minutes before the start.
Solerina, backed from 6/1 down to 7/2 favourite, adopted her usual front-running role but was beginning to weaken a furlong out as Golden Cross edged across her to strike the front.
Murtagh's mount kept on under strong pressure to hold the late challenge of Virginia Woolf by a diminishing neck, while Solerina later lost third place as Chris Geoghegan weighed in 2lb light.
Clara Allen, who didn't enjoy the clearest of runs, was promoted to third while the winner was only confirmed after a stewards enquiry.
'He's a bit of class about him and this race has been the plan all along. It's a great finish to a wonderful year with 54 winners,' said trainer Michael Halford.
He added, 'He will go jumping now in the Hattons Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse next month, and will be stepped up in trip after that with the World Hurdle the long-term aim.'
Cashmans have introduced the six-year-old at 16/1 for the World Hurdle, formerly the 'Stayers', at Cheltenham next March.
Murtagh was successful earlier when the Noel Meade-trained Sugarhoneybaby caused something of a surprise in the seven furlongs Listed Knockaire Stakes.
The 12/1 chance needed to be switched off the far rail to get a run in the straight, and stayed on well to lead close home for a neck verdict over Hard Rock City who also came home strongly.
Mister Hight completed the Murtagh treble in the ten furlongs conditions race, sent to the front off the home bend to beat Gift Range by a convincing 3L.
The other Listed race also provided a shock as the Mick Channon-trained Wovoka came from off the pace in the Eyrefield Stakes, leading inside the final furlong for a 2L win on his 16th outing of the year.
Punters got it right in the opening 2yo maiden where Decado showed the benefit of an outing at the Curragh last month to beat newcomers Michikabu and Galileo Galilei.
The well-backed 7/2 favourite (from 5/1) responded gamely to a strong drive from Declan McDonogh, leading well inside the final furlong to score by a neck.
Celtic Warrior was ridden up with the pace throughout by Mick Kinane in the Premier Nursery, leading over a furlong out and staying on strongly to beat Monthly Medal by 2L.
Helen Keohane was on the mark in the mile handicap when Snap just held on by a short-head from Dream Catch, while Itsonlywoody (Robbie Burke) easily landed the 12f handicap.
