Conna Castle just got the better of Big Zeb on the run-in to win a thrilling renewal of the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
Davy Russell tried to make all in the two-and-a-half-mile contest on evens favourite Big Zeb and had Oscar Honey and Sky's The Limit sending out distress signals by the third-last, but Conna Castle was still travelling well and soon joined issue.
The pair were locked together over the last two fences, but Conna Castle (7-2) knuckled down for the fight and forged ahead to score by half a length under Paul Carberry.
Winning trainer Jimmy Mangan reported: "He'll be entered at Aintree."
Willie Mullins' Cooldine completed a five-timer in the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Festival Novice Hurdle after a dramatic turnaround on the run-in.
Chasing Cars led Cooldine for most of the two-and-a-half-mile journey, but the writing looked on the wall when Ruby Walsh's mount took over at the second-last and went two lengths clear.
Chasing Cars refused to be denied, however, and battled on strongly to regain the lead on the run-in before the 6-4 favourite asserted again for victory by threequarters of a length. He will run at the Punchestown Festival.
Oscar Rebel (14-1) ran out a convincing winner of the Masterchefs
Hospitality EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final.
Liam Burke's six-year-old swept aside leader Give It Time on the turn into the straight along with hurdles debutant Shirley Casper, and the pair jumped the second-last together.
Paul Carberry got a good response from his mount between the last two and Oscar Rebel quickly assumed control before being eased down on the run-in for a nine-length victory in the two-and-a-half-mile race.
Tom Doyle forced Wickford (6-1) ahead on the run-in to take the
two-and-threequarter-mile Ryan's Cleaning Services Beginners' Chase by half a length from Rory's Pleasure for trainer Colm Murphy.
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