Macs Flamingo flew home to land the spoils in the Denny Gold Medal Handicap Chase at Tralee on Thursday.
The well-backed Emotional Article (7/2 to 11/4f) had looked set for victory in the 45,000 event but was mugged in the dying strides as Paul Carberry conjured a terrific late run from his mount.
'I'm delighted for the horse more than anything,' said winning trainer Pat Fahy. 'He has run in a lot of these good chases and I wondered if he was ever going to win one.'
'I said to Paul beforehand that this horse would probably suit him. He said he was always cantering. The horse doesn't get a yard beyond 2m4f and he only ran in the Galway Plate because it was the Plate.'
Galway Plate hero Sir Frederick ran well below par, pulling up after the fourth last.
Carberry went on to complete a double in concluding beginners chase as Wishwillow Lord proved too strong in the closing stages for 8/11 shot Breaking Silence.
Patrick Mullins made it two wins from two rides in the Denny Havasnack Race as Impudent won a two-horse sprint down the straight.
The filly tracked Essex after the 4/9f hit the front six furlongs out. The pair both travelled well rounding the bend but it was Mullins' charge who found an extra gear inside the final furlong to run out a length-and-a-half winner.
'She was a lot better at the start than she has been and the smaller field probably helped,' said trainer Willie Mullins.
'I doubt if she'll come back here on Saturday for a handicap hurdle and we'll probably wait for Listowel.'
Cupid's Bow ended her career on a high when running out a game winner of the Kirby's Brogue Inn/Lanterns Hotel Handicap under Christy Geoghegan.
Pat Martin's charge edged out In A Rush after a thrilling final furlong duel to score by a head.
'That's definitely her last run as she's in foal to Refuse To Bend,' revealed Martin. 'She's a real tough cookie and as genuine as they come.'
Carlowsantana kicked clear down the straight to run out a decisive winner of the ERA Walsh & O'Sullivan Auctioneers Handicap.
'He seems to come together at this time of year,' commented winning trainer Adrian Sexton.
Ruby Walsh teamed up with Tony Martin to good effect once more as The Royal Dub claimed the McGillicuddy Cup Handicap Hurdle.
Promising apprentice Martin Harley produced Solar Sail with a late surge to claim the opening DNG W.H. Giles Auctioneers Handicap.
Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen recorded their first winner of the week when Young Lochinvar ran out a convincing two-and-a-half length winner of the maiden.
Admission to the course is free on Friday courtesy of trainer Jim Bolger. The Coolcullen handler hopes racegoers will donate money to St Vincent de Paul.
