It's not very often the runner-up steals the show but Kicking King was the star at Gowran Park when producing a terrific run on his comeback performance.
Tom Taaffe's 2005 Gold Cup winner went down by just a length-and-a-quarter to Nickname in the Grade 2 contest over 2m1f.
Barry Geraghty sent his mount straight into the lead and he still held sway until a terrible mistake two out.
Newmill took up the running but Kicking King remained challenging and edged ahead again at the last.
Ruby Walsh was hard at work on Nickname back in third but fitness told on the run-in as he wore his rivals down to grab the spoils.
'He ran a cracker for his first run back- over 2m1f,' said a delighted Taaffe. 'He was ring rusty and short of match practice and you could see that at the second last.'
'It shows how good a horse he is to come back. When you bring a horse back after that length of time it's a journey of 1000 miles and begins with one step.'
'The next step is probably back here for the Redmills Chase (February 16th). The Hennessy is 17 days which might be a bit on the tight side and I wouldn't want to bottom him over three miles.'
'The relief will come in two or three days time but I would be surprised if there were any problems as we've been very careful with him.'
Nickname could be stepped up in trip now for a crack at the Henesssy at Leopardstown.
'He might be a bit better over further and we might possibly go for the Hennessy and see how he handles three miles,' said trainer Martin Brassil.
The feature Thyestes Chase went the way of 20/1 shot Preists Leap, who relished the heavy ground in the 100,000 contest.
Philip Enright, having his first ride back since picking up a 21-day ban at Navan before Christmas, produced the gelding with a well-timed run to lead before the last and run out a game four-and-a-half length winner.
'It's one of Ireland's greatest races and I'm delighted to win it,' said trainer Thomas O'Leary.
'The ground is barely raceable and he loves it. I'm sure he'll win another big handicap. I could talk about the Irish National but that could be rock hard.'
Earth Magic sprang a shock in the Grade 3 Galmoy Hurdle when getting the better of half-sister Sweet Kiln.
The mare was sent off 11/8f but couldn't find a way past her younger sibling on the run-in, going down by two-and-a-half lengths.
'I'm in a state of shock. I expected them both to run well, but I didn't expect that result. These horses keep surprising you!' admitted trainer Michael Bowe.
'The mare would have been a gallant winner if it wasn't for her brother. The mares' race at Cheltenham is still on the agenda. They could both run in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan next.'
Ruby Walsh, successful on Nickname, recorded a double with Splurge holding on gamely to repel the late surge of Motaraqeb in the handicap hurdle.
Prince Erik led at the last to take the opening maiden hurdle for Dermot Weld and stayed on gamely under Paul Carberry to record a two-and-a-half length verdict.
Drive On Regardles ran out a game winner of the concluding bumper and trainer Willie Mullins revealed that he could make the trip to Cheltenham.
