33/1 outsider Call Me Dara produced a result the sponsors could scarcely have dreamed of when capturing the #125,000 paddypower.com Handicap Chase at a sunny Leopardstown this afternoon.
Trained in Cork by Robert Tyner, the mare was always prominent and was ridden out by Niall Mulholland to score by six lengths from the fast-finishing Coq Hardi Diamond and Montana Glen.
Amidst jubilant scenes in the winner's enclosure Tyner, whose string of about twenty horses is comprised mainly of point-to-pointers, outlined the background to this famous victory.
'We thought she'd nearly win at Punchestown last time, but her jumping let her down a little. We've had this race in mind for her for a while though.
Jumping has generally been her strong suit, and she fenced really well today,' said the handler, who is unlikely to ever forget what was his debut runner at Leopardstown.
Ned Kelly earned a quote of 6/1 from Paddy Power for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham following a comfortable 2 1/2 length triumph in the 2m novice hurdle.
Norman Williamson, riding the half-brother to Nick Dundee for the first time, produced his partner between horses approaching the final obstacle, from whence the result was never in doubt.
'He should learn a lot from that, it's the first time we've really had to push the button with him,' said trainer Edward O'Grady afterwards.
'Norman was impressed, and I think we'll stick to 2m for the moment, although I'm sure he'd get further,' he continued.
Grand National hero Papillon delighted his fans with a comeback success in the 2m chase, holding off reluctant-looking favourite To Your Honour at the generous price of 8/1.
Trainer Ted Walsh was understandably pleased with this effort over an distance short of his best.
'He may take in the Hennessy or the AON Chase at Newbury on the way to Aintree again,' he added.
Ruby Walsh, in the saddle for that triumph, had earlier initiated a brace aboard Benovia (5/2 - 7/2), who stayed on well to see off newcomer Vatirisk in the juvenile hurdle.
Frances Crowley has no immediate plans for the gelding, pointing out that hurdlers of his age group are well catered for by the race calendar.
Calladine belied a lack of market support when sluicing up in the 3m handicap hurdle under talented claimer Alan Crowe.
Tackling previously unchartered territory, last year's Denny Juvenile Hurdle winner had a facile 3 1/2 lengths in hand of favourite Wicked Crack at the line.
It was the turn of Fran Berry in the saddle as trainer Christy Roche doubled up with Timber King (2/1 - 9/4 - 6/4f), who mastered the promising Janidou after the last in the 4 year-old maiden hurdle.
Some well-regarded types contested the bumper, and it was Collier County (12/1) and Davy Russell who powered clear of their rivals up the straight to record a stunning twenty-length verdict.
Trainer Michael Cullen hopes the Be My Native gelding will make up into a Cheltenham prospect, and Cashmans rate him a 25/1 shot to follow up there in March.
