Paul Nolan added to his growing reputation as one of the brighest lights on the training scene at present when saddling High Prospect to take the Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle Series Final in front of 7,429 racegoers.
Junior Fontaine took up the pace-setting duties from An Modh Direach at halfway, and was only headed by High Prospect under a power-packed ride from Norman Williamson in the closing stages.
'Norman said he needed every yard of the two miles, and we probably won't run him on as fast a ground again,' said Nolan.
The Wexford handler added, 'Hopefully he comes out of this race sound, and we might aim him at the Pierse Hurdle next season. He's a big horse, and should make a lovely chaser.'
Paul Carberry was stood down until Saturday with extensive bruising after Blue fell four out, but the champion was earlier in good form with a double aboard Thari and Swordplay.
Thari was one of just three runners in the Powers Gold Cup, and Adamant Approach looked set to justify odds of 30/1000 until crashed out at the second last fence.
This left Thari to come home 3L ahead of One Night Out, with successful trainer Noel Meade quipping 'I think we would have won anyway!'
'He started off well over fences but then lost his way. He likes fast ground, and will probably run again at Punchestown,' said Meade.
Carberry completed a 51.5/1 double when Swordplay stretched his rivals from the front for a convincing 2L victory over Central House in the Boylesports Hurdle.
'He got very upset at the Curragh last time but was much more relaxed today. He loves fast ground, and will be aimed at the Galway Hurdle,' said trainer Michael O'Brien's assistant Denis Cullen.
The Adamant Approach team of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh enjoyed better fortune earlier in the maiden hurdle where Warrens Castle cruised past the front-running Jaquouille early in the straight to score by 8L.
'He disappointed me all winter but obviously the better ground is what he needs. We'll keep him going all through the summer,' said Mullins.
Polaris Flame created a bit of Irish racing history when becoming the first horse to successfully carry cheek-pieces in the Joseph O'Reilly Memorial Cup.
John Thomas McNamara replaced Peter Buchanan, who injured a knee in a point-to-point on Sunday, and Denise Foster's charge was always prominent to beat Our Boy by 11L.
Native Commander (Barry Geraghty) led before two out to take the handicap chase, while Thomas Freyne (19) partnered his first winner on impressive bumper debutant Penny Fiction.
Alan Magee
