Johnny Murtagh was seen at his very best when guiding Zaralabad home in the www.thetote.com Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap at Killarney.
An unlucky fourth in this race last year, Charlie Swan's gelding had returned to winning ways at Bellewstown a week ago and supplemented those gains with a one-length defeat of Dimona
Things didn't look all too rosy for the 12-1 chance when receiving a bump over a furlong out, but Murtagh remained cool and his mount motored home in the dying strides, ultimately appearing to score with a bit up his sleeve.
Murtagh was also on the mark when French Quebec broke her duck at the third time of asking for in-form trainer Kevin Condon in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
The 7-2 winner was there to be shot at as heavily-backed favourite Madhmoonah cruised up to lead entering the final furlong, but French Quebec and Murtagh were in no mood to give in.
The daughter of Excellent Art responded admirably to the jockey's urgings, first with the whip and then hands-and-heels, battling back for a short-head success.
Billy Lee produced Painted Fingers right on the line to deny long-time leader Indian Scout by a neck in the McElligott's Mercedes-Benz Handicap.
Unplaced in her previous seven racecourse appearances, Tim Doyle's Acclamation filly came wide entering the straight and flashed home for a last-gasp win.
Jumps action started with the www.mosscontrol.ie Mares Beginners Chase and top honours went to Dessie Hughes and Quiet Thought (7-2).
Bryan Cooper had something of an armchair ride on the dual hurdle winner as the fencing newcomer stretched 18 lengths clear after jumping fluently throughout.
Eagles Pass (14-1) pounced late under Paul Townend to win the TVM Novice Chase.
Thomond O'Mara's charge ran over hurdles and on the level without success at the Galway Festival but relished a return to fences, beating Slieveardagh and St Devote after leaping to the front at the last.
