< War Of Attrition won the battle of the former Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes when charging to victory over Kicking King in The Star "Best For Racing Coverage" Chase at Punchestown.
The race was between the two injury-plagued stars a long way from home, but Mouse Morris's 5-4 chance was too strong, drawing clear on the home turn to win by 19 lengths.
Connections were delighted with the victory and both Hills and VC Bet have him at 25-1 to reclaim his Cheltenham crown in March.< Trafford Lad was expected to strike in the Buck House Novice Chase, but had to wait until a stewards' inquiry to be given the spoils.
Dessie Hughes' Rare Bob looked to have got the better of affairs when passing the post a short-head in front, but he was adjudged to have interfered with the 9-10 favourite.
Both camps have reason to be pleased with their charges, who were both making their chasing debuts in the Grade Three event.
Joanna Morgan's Raise Your Heart pulled out all the stops to land the Ryan's Cleaning Events Specialists Hurdle.
Settled in fourth of the five runners by Barry Geraghty, the 11-4 chance loomed up behind leader Made In Taipan as they turned for home.
The five-year-old edged into the lead at the final flight, but a clumsy leap gave Made In Taipan hope, though he eventually went down by a length.< Give It Time justified morning support when routing the field in the Total Event Rental (Mares) Hurdle.
Jessica Harrington's 5-2 favourite was one of three runners to pull clear entering the back straight, and went out on her own under Mark Bolger approaching the third last, before going on to beat Handful Of Euros by nine lengths.< Fisher Bridge opened his account over hurdles at the second time of asking when scoring in the Hibernian Insurance Maiden Hurdle under Paul Carberry.
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