The ground conditions proved very testing at the Tipperary venue, but The Premier Cat, trained by Tom Cahill and ridden by his son Mark, relished the stamina test in the three miles Nore Valley Hurdle.
The six-year-old gelding made virtually all, and eventually shrugged off the challenge of Take Five to score by 11 lengths. 'That was a really tough slog and it will probably take him a while to get over that. Hopefully he will make a nice staying chaser next season,' added Cahill senior.
There was another father and son team on the mark in division two of the Comeragh Maiden hurdle where Gaily Bay Jack made all for Paddy and Martin Mooney, keeping on well in the straight to beat Intercounty by nine lengths.
The opening division of the maiden provided former top point-to-point rider Michael Phillips with his first training success under rules when Paddy's View scored in convincing style. The lightly-raced eight-year-old also marked a milestone for rider Barry Geraghty, who was partnering his 300th winner.
'I only took out a licence last month, and have five in training at present. This fellow should be a lot better over an extra half mile and on better ground,' said Phillips, who rode over 140 winners between the flags.
Macs-Bet successfully adopted forcing tactics under David O'Leary in division one of the Kilsheelan Handicap Hurdle, staying on strongly from the home turn to beat uneasy favourite Talarive by eight lengths. 'I thought he might need the run today, and he'll stay a bit further,' said trainer Philip Rothwell.
Langroy also made all in division two of the handicap hurdle, and kept on under pressure for Alan Donoghue to beat Camroyell by eight lengths. 'He's a bit quirky, so we decided to make the running,' said trainer Eamonn Sheehy.
The jackpot pool of 11,097 was not won after Uncle Murt edged out the odds-on favourite Glenhaven Nugget in division one of the bumper.
Alan Magee
