The rescheduled Ballymore Properties Hatton's Grace Hurdle proved worth the wait as Brave Inca returned to winning ways with a typically gutsy performance at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.
Colm Murphy's star never appeared to be travelling in the 2m4f contest but came good at the business end.
The Champion Hurdler was reunited with Tony McCoy and he had to work overtime.
Brave Inca was niggled from an early stage and received a reminder with a circuit to go. He worked his way into contention before four out, however, and led at the next.
Long-time leader Rosaker appeared to be travelling well into the straight but came off the bridle before the last and despite Brave Inca idling in front he still proved three-quarters-of-a-length too good at the line.
'He got a hard race today. The ground wasn't ideal but he stuck to his guns well,' said Murphy. 'He'll know he's had that run. We're always a bit worried about giving him too hard a race at this time of year but I'm delighted with that.
'The Morgiana wasn't ideal as they went a true gallop and he got found out for fitness. He should come on from this also. Tony said he wasn't doing a tap - he never seems to travel on his own and small fields don't suit him.
'The Bewleys Hotel Hurdle at Leopardstown is next and if he gets back to Cheltenham in half as good form as last year they'll know they've had a race.'
Murphy was critical of the track for holding the main race second on the card: 'It was a disgrace that they run a maiden hurdle before the race. They didn't even put the divots back in.
'If they have no respect for a horse like that where do you go. We always try to do the best for him and that's why I'm so mad.'
Bookmakers had mixed reactions to the result. William Hill pushed him out to 7/1 from 6/1 for the Champion Hurdle while Paddy Power cut him to 5/1 from 7/1.
Cailin Alainn also showed tremendous heart to get up close home in the Grade 1 Ballymore Properties Drinmore Novice Chase.
Davy Russell found a willing partner on the run-in as the mare wore down Schindlers Hunt for a three-parts of a length success.
'She's a tremendous mare,' said winning trainer Charles Byrnes. 'She is a joy to train and is so relaxed - she's a dream.'
There are no firm plans for the winner but Byrnes revealed that she is entered in the Grade 1 Powers Whiskey Novice Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The Michael O'Brien-trained De Valira looked a smart prospect when making a winning debut over hurdles in the first division of the Joe Savage Maiden Hurdle.
Andrew Lynch arrived with a double handful approaching the last and although untidy at the flight he had plenty left to score by two-and-a-half lengths from 13/8f Arrive Sir Clive.
'We had this fellow touted last year as one of the best in the yard. He'll go for a race at Leopardstown over Christmas now. Hopefully he can make up into a Cheltenham horse,' said assistant trainer Denis Cullen.
The second division of the contest produced a great finish with Dooneys Gate prevailing by the narrowest of margins from Kendor Dine.
Ruby Walsh had sent his mount into the lead after the penultimate flight but Kendor Dine threw down a strong challenge after the last and headed him briefly before the line only to lose out.
Stamina won the day for Shifting Alliance in the three-mile handicap hurdle while Heron's Flight held off the persistent challenge of Tranquil Sea to land the bumper.
