Vic Venturi made a perfect start to his career over fences when holding the late surge of Conna Castle in a thrilling finish to the Hartmann Jewellers Ballybrit Novice Chase at Galway on Sunday.
Philip Fenton's charge was produced to lead at the last in the Grade 3 event by Andrew McNamara.
Vintage Treasure looked a threat approaching the straight but it was Conna Castle who finished best, after recovering from a mistake two out, to push him to a length in the closing stages.
'He battled well and is entitled to improve a lot from that as he has only been away once,' said Fenton
'He could develop into a Drinmore horse and will eventually be a three-mile horse.'
Cashmans left Conna Castle unchanged on 12/1 for the Arkle at Cheltenham with the winner Vic Venturi quoted at 16/1.
McNamara went on to complete a double when partnering Did He Dye Doedidy to victory in the Bradley Motor Works Ltd 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
Michael Hourigan's charge lead over the last and stayed on strongly to score by two-and-a-half lengths from Curragh Dancer.
Flat champion-elect Declan McDonogh also partnered a double when landing two of the three Flat contests on the card.
Porto Calero initiated the brace in the opening Corrib Oil Sean Cleary Memorial Auction Race.
McDonogh produced Ken Condon's filly to lead inside the final furlong and she stayed on strongly to score by two-and-a-half lengths from 4/6f Bermeco.
McDonogh had to be strong on Orpen Princess, who just held the flying finish of Alexiade by a neck in the Renvyle House Hotel Handicap.
Holbien made a successful handicap debut when running out a convincing length winner of the Parkmore Handicap.
Noel Meade recorded a treble at Wexford to take his tally to five for the weekend at the south east venue.
Jaamid was given a perfectly timed hold up ride from Paul Carberry in the opening Wexford Block Ltd Maiden Hurdle.
Well Run finished to good affect to wear down Treacle entering the straight in the Hook Head Maiden Hurdle while 9/10f Charlie Yardbird had to work in the closing stages to land the bumper.
Kazal looked a nice prospect when running out a cosy four-length winner of the INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.
Camptect could line up in next Sunday's Cork National after a battling victory in the Martinstown Opporuntity Handicap Hurdle.
