Buailtes And Fadas, winner of the La Touche Cup in 2003, made a successful return from injury in the Sheehy Motors Mercedes-Benz Handicap Chase.
The two and a quarter miles distance was thought to be too short for the 20/1 chance but he landed in front after the last for Barry Geraghty to beat Quarry Boy by 2 1/2L.
'They went flat out and that helped to make it more of a test. Punchestown may put on a bank race in February, and hopefully he'll make it back for the La Touche,' said trainer Enda Bolger.
'Good Step stayed on nicely today (seventh) and could also go for it, while I also have a horse called Spot Thedifference!' quipped Bolger.
French import Marbeuf made a successful start to his hurdling career when taking the four-year-old maiden in fine style under Paul Carberry.
The Bahri gelding took a real walk in the market (3/1 to 13/2) but got the better of 6/4 favourite Finger Onthe Pulse before the last to score by 2L with Mickataine a further 1L back in third.
The race was delayed by 13 minutes as the eventual third was attended by trainer Mouse Morris in the absence of a farrier on the track.
'We bought him for 115,000 euro at the Arc sale and he was rated close to 100 over staying distances on the Flat in France. There is plenty of size to him and he should stay 2 1/2m,' said trainer Noel Meade.
Corrigeenroe was all the rage to complete a quick double for Meade and Carberry in the 5yo's maiden hurdle but was no match for Southern Style in the straight.
A second winner for John Murtagh since switching his attention to hurdles this month, the mare stayed on well to beat the well-backed 5/4 favourite by two lengths.
'She jumped super and Johnny feels she will be better on better ground, so we may give her a break now until the spring,' said trainer Michael Grassick.
Murtagh was just denied a double as Precious Memories was caught in the final stride by Go On Eileen in the 3m handicap hurdle, resulting in the jackpot pool of 1,978 being carried forward to Navan.
Kerrys Cottage, bred and part-owned by leading racing photographer Liam Healy, came out on top in an exciting finish to the Tattersalls Ireland Mares Novice Chase.
The six-year-old was prominent throughout and rallied well from the last for Barry Cash to beat American Jennie by two lengths.
There is only a 'slim chance' that Akinola will turn out again at Wexford tomorrow after leading before the last under Davy Russell to beat Sea To Sky by 1L in the 2m handicap hurdle.
The dual purpose four-year-old really struck form on his final two Flat outings but the change in fortune is something of a mystery to trainer Eoin Griffin.
'I don't know why he's improved because we haven't done anything different. His jumping has improved and the main aim now is the novice handicap hurdle at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.'
Schindlers Hunt (Roger Loughran) held on by 3/4L from 3/1 favourite Bagerlaw in the bumper.
Alan Magee
