Michael Kinane took the riding honours at this eight race mixed meeting when recording a double aboard King Rama and Film Festival at combined odds of just over 7/1.
King Rama provided a welcome tonic for trainer John Kiely when confidently ridden by the former champion to justify 4/1 favouritism in division two of the mile and a half handicap.
The 5yo gelding was always travelling nicely, switched to the far rail in the final furlong to lead close home for a three quarter length verdict over Two Excuses.
The placings remained unaltered following a stewards enquiry into possible interference, although Two Excuses' jockey Colm O'Donoghue was cautioned to ride with more care and over the accuracy of his evidence.
Kiely was represented by his brother Paddy, who said, 'John is doing well after a recent operation and hopes to be home later this week.'
Film Festival (4/6f) earlier opened his account at the fourth attempt in the 7f maiden, sent on inside the final quarter mile before holding off Tikraar by 3/4L.
Seamus O'Farrell has tasted Galway Hurdle glory before with Perugino Diamond, and is again dreaming of a crack at the Ballybrit feature with Proud To Be Irish.
The 7yo gelding, ridden by O'Farrell's son James, headed the front-running Baltimore Hill on the run-in of the winners hurdle to score by a length and a half.
'He loves that ground and is only coming to himself. With a bit of luck he can pick up a big handicap, and may go for the 'Murphys' at Killarney and hopefully on to Galway,' said O'Farrell.
Pauline'sanalysis defied a 10lb rise in the ratings for a Listowel victory eight days ago by making virtually all for a comfortable win under Stephen Gray in the 7f handicap.
Gray (18), partnering his sixth career winner and third this year, could afford to take it easy inside the final furlong as the mare came home an eased down two lengths ahead of Cornfield Road.
'I had Billy Lee or Chris Hayes in mind to ride her but both are suspended and Stephen did a good job. I don't know what the handicapper will do with her now,' said trainer Willie Austin's son Leslie.
Johnny Murtagh and Michael Halford went one better half-an-hour later in division one of the mile and a half handicap with the heavily-backed Balakan.
The dual purpose gelding was ridden up with the pace throughout, and dug deep in the closing stages to just deny Amarjit by a short-head.
'He stays well and handles that good ground. He'll continue to mix it, and we may stretch him out a bit further,' said Halford.
Patton was all the rage (8/1 to 5/1) in the 3m handicap chase, and cruised to the front after two out for Davy Condon for a convincing four lengths success over Border Breeze.
On a tough evening for bookmakers, Sioux Falls (3/1 to 9/4 fav) also hit the layers when leading before the home turn to take the maiden hurdle under Garrett Cotter.
'She's only rated 50 on the Flat but really loves this game and it has sweetened her up,' said trainer Patrick Prendergast.
Golden Hare provided Aidan Howard with his first winner as a rider and trainer when leading over a furlong out in the bumper to beat Hide The Evidence by three lengths.
Alan Magee
