Firm conditions at Sligo caused a host of non-runners on the card with the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle reduced to only three runners.
The race produced a thrilling finish, however, with Aviatore flying home to deny odds-on shot Norborne Bandit (4/6f).
Gerry Cully's charge had looked the first beaten when coming under pressure before two out but stayed on strongly from the last to get up close home for a half-length victory.
'He's a much better horse in big fields when he gets cover,' said Cully afterwards. 'He could run again at Killarney on Thursday.'
Tubber Gael Holly gained an overdue success in the Summerville Healthcare Handicap Hurdle when kicking on at the penultimate flight for a two-and-a-half length victory.
'She's gone up 21lb without winning a race and at least she has won one now,' said winning trainer Michael Hourigan.
Hourigan went on to complete a double when Sally's Dream (4/5f) justified her short price in the concluding bumper.
Fly To Dubai got up close home to collar front-runner Zaccheus and make a winning debut over timber in the countrysligoraces.com Maiden Hurdle.
Trainer Tom McCourt may run the gelding twice at the Galway festival with suitable races on the Flat and over hurdles.
Trainer Irene Monaghan sent out her first winner when Spring Charm was delivered with a well-timed run by Philip Carberry to claim the Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Carberry went on to complete a double when Barrell Rose came late to land the AJ Welding Handicap Hurdle.
Forever Free wore down Quai Du Roi from the last to claim the Guinness Handicap Hurdle by a length-and-three-quarters.
