Ruby Walsh gave another display of his brilliance in the saddle when picking King Of Foxrock up off the floor to claim the second division of the Texas Maiden Hurdle at Navan.
The 4/7f all but fell at the third last and looked to have lost his chance. But Walsh sat tight and got his mount going again to lead after the last and record a length-and-a-half victory over Oriental Rock.
The Champion was turned over on two other 4/7 shots, however, as both Rosaker and Not Today Sir proved disappointing.
Rosaker attempted to make all in the featured Ladbrokes Country & Western BBQ Evening Hurdle but was collared close home by stable-mate More Rainbows.
Walsh had to get to work on the favourite after the second last and More Rainbows challenged at the final flight, under Niall Madden, before getting up close home for a neck victory.
Not Today Sir was also a warm order in the Peter O'Brien Landscapes Novice Chase but was let down by some poor jumping and had no answer in the closing stages as Claridge kept on gamely to cause a shock.
Niall Madden, successful on More Rainbows, went on to record the first double of his professional career when Run Katie Chimes ran out a length-and-a-half winner of the Nashville Mares Handicap Hurdle.
Paul Nolan's mare had not run since a disappointing effort on heavy ground at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. She obviously enjoyed this much better going and led two out before comfortably holding the challenge of Spin In The Wind.
The first division of the Texas Maiden Hurdle saw a fine front-running performance from Due Respect while San Diego got up in the dying strides to land the Colt 45 Handicap Hurdle.
Meanwhile The Tommy James Ltd Novice Hurdle at Wexford produced a thrilling finish with Tycoon Hall prevailing by the narrowest of margins from Pepperwood to follow-up last month's course and distance success.
Shaalayn was reluctant to jump off in the second division of the Coolcotts Handicap Hurdle but was resolute in the finish while Dostoievsky recorded a comfortable three-length success in the first division.
Kentucky Charm, a winner over hurdles at the track last time, opened his account on the Flat when landing the Poolcourt Ltd Maiden while Tipper Road sprang a 25/1 shock under in-form apprentice Chris Hayes in the Datapac Ltd Handicap.
