Jim Culloty continued his amazing run of big race success in recent years when partnering Timbera to take the e170,000 Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National.
Dessie Hughes' charge was always prominent in the 3m5f event and, after plenty of horses held a chance in the straight, edged out Knock Knock by a head.
The Tony McCoy-ridden Winning Dream was 2L back in third, while Davids Lad ran a gallant race under top-weight a further 2L adrift in fourth.
'I knew he was off a nice mark, and the bit of rain took the sting out of the ground. I have no immediate plans but will probably aim him at the Aintree Grand National next year,' said Hughes.
Culloty later completed a 251/1 double when April Allegro (20/1 but paid 48.60 on the Tote) led off the home turn to beat Albrighton by 3 1/2L in the handicap hurdle.
The victory of Michael Hourigan's charge means a jackpot pool rollover tomorrow of e33,113 to the final day of the Easter Festival meeting.
Noel Meade dominated the remainder of the card with a 150/1 treble including Michael Mor who landed the 2m2f conditions hurdle in the stewards room.
Barry Geraghty's mount was beaten 1/2L by Moore's Law (Ruby Walsh), but the placings were later reversed due to interference after the last.
Walsh was given a one day suspension for careless riding which rules him out of the second day of the Punchestown Festival (April 30).
Champion elect Paul Carberry was aboard the other two Meade winners, with Dashing Home leading on the inner at the last in the 4yo hurdle and Whatatouch making all in the 2m6f handicap chase.
Edward O'Grady further emphasised his strong hand with novice hurdlers this season when Glenhaven Nugget landed the Menolly Homes Novice Hurdle.
However the 7yo gelding needed a powerful drive from Norman Williamson to get the better of Mutakarrim by a head in this Grade 2 event.
'He's got a little puncture wound close to his near fore knee but it doesn't seem a lot, and he could run again at Punchestown next week,' said O'Grady who views the gelding as a future chaser.
Paddy The Duke was left in front when fav Born Flyer fell four out in the beginners chase, and kept on under pressure in the straight for Ross Geraghty to beat Forrestfield by 2 1/2L.
The attendance of 17,142 is up nearly 2,000 on last year, while there is also a placepot pool rollover in excess of e5,000.
Alan Magee
