Jack Kennedy claimed the biggest success of his career as he drove out Outlander to claim some big scalps in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
The Gordon Elliott-trained 11-1 shot was one of three Gigginstown House Stud representatives to jump the last in a share of the lead, with Valseur Lido perhaps holding a marginal advantage.
He faded, though, whereas Outlander and stable companion Don Poli ran right the way to the line and it was Outlander who proved two and a quarter lengths too strong, with favourite Djakadam third.
The rest of the card belonged to Willie Mullins, with Vroum Vroum Mag (8-15 favourite) regaining the winning thread in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle.
The brilliant mare lost her unbeaten Irish record in the Hatton's Grace but had the measure of Shaneshill when he crashed out at the last, and then had enough in the tank to repel another stablemate Clondaw Warrior by a length and a quarter.< Bleu Et Rouge sprouted wings to claim top honours in the Ballymaloe Foods Beginners Chase.
Mullins' 6-4 favourite looked in trouble when jumping two out with plenty still ahead of him but as Gangster and Don't Touch It took over from Acapella Bourgeois at the last, Barry Geraghty hadn't give up on Bleu Et Rouge, who finished over the top of them to deny Gangster by three-quarters of a length.< Montalbano (8-11) was workmanlike rather than spectacular in the At The Races Maiden Hurdle.
Mullins' French recruit took a little while to wear down Youcannotbeserious on the run to the last, but a slick leap helped seal a two-and-three-quarter-length verdict.
Carter McKay's (1-2) victory in the Midland Legal Solicitors Flat Race completed a four-timer for Mullins, who also looked like landing the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) when Isleofhopendreams challenged at the last, but Electric Concorde (11-1) wouldn't lie down and the line came just in time for him.< Thirsty Work (6-1) battled hard to claim the Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle.
