Baron De Feypo proved a popular winner when springing a 20/1 shock in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase at Naas on Sunday.
John Cullen produced the gelding with a well-timed challenge to lead at the last and stay on for a three-length verdict over 11/8f Snowy Morning in the 2m3f event.
It was a perfect start to the year for trainer Oliver Brady, who has been battling illness and is currently undergoing radiotherapy treatment.
The Monaghan handler was saddling his first winner since Ansari scored on the Flat at Fairyhouse last July and treated the crowd to a typically exuberant celebration.
'I left it entirely up to John as he has ridden him before. I just told him to take his time, produce him in the straight and pick them off,' said Brady.
'What a lift that is. I can go anywhere I like with him now. He took care of a couple of good ones today.'
Cullen stood himself down for the day after the following race, having aggravated a back injury.
Kazal continued on the upgrade when producing a gutsy performance to land the Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle.
Barry Geraghty sent his mount to the front turning for home in the Grade 2 event and he stuck to his guns well to see off the renewed challenge of Earth Magic by a length-and-three-quarters.
'He did it nicely. Two-and-a-half miles in testing ground is as far back as we would want to drop him,' said winning trainer Eoin Griffin.
'I was concerned today about him carrying a penalty. I'm not sure where he'll go now but we'll try and avoid Aran Concerto! We'll probably give him a rest.'
Black Harry got off the mark over timber in good style when a convincing six-length winner of the opening maiden hurdle.
Ruby Walsh's mount inherited the lead when Jazz Alley took a crashing fall three out and he stayed on well down the straight to comfortably hold Head Held High at bay.
'We decided to let him use his stride more today. A longer trip and fences are what he needs next year,' said Mullins.
'We'll try to win a novice hurdle or two with him this season. He has the scope to be a chaser and that's where he'll go long term.'
Pennyforurthoughts was prominent throughout and stayed on strongly down the straight to run out a convincing nine-length winner of the www.financebusiness.ie Maiden Hurdle.
There was a bunch finish to the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle with Selous Scout just holding the late surge of Little Tommy.
The Carvery Restaurant Handicap Chase also produced a thrilling finish with Chelsea Harbour holding on from The Parishioner to prevail by the narrowest of margins.
