Michael Hourigan was the man to follow as he put down a marker that his string is back in top-form with a 47/1 double.
Just four days after contesting the Slan Abhaile at the Harvest Festival (a remote 11th there), Almier made all on his chase debut in the beginners contest, the well-backed 5/1 shot winning by 3L.
This was a grief stricken heat with seven horses coming down, these including the fancied pair, Boleyknowsbest and Trampoline King at the 1st.
With slippy ground on the takeoff side, the second fence past the stands was omitted from the later chases. Emers Choice completed the Hourigan brace in the hcap.
Paddy Floods mount had shown a consistent level of form recently and the winning pointer got off the mark on the track beating Dotty Lord by 2 1/2L.
Hourigan himself wasnt present but his son Michael jnr explained that the Limerick raiders had stabled overnight at the racecourse.
Again only seven of the fifteen runners completed here and it was a similar story in the beginners chase with five of the ten runners not getting around.
The third last again proved troublesome. Coast To Coast justified his position at the head of the betting, beating outsider Bridge Flight for Edward OGrady and Barry Geraghty.
Only for a bad mistake at the final hurdle at Listowel 10 days ago, Black Ouzel would have finished a fair degree closer than her 11th placing. She made amends in the opener.
Always to the fore under Niall Madden, Harry Rogers mare showed stamina in abundance to beat Deramore Rythm by 4L. Favourite Some Legend could manage no better than 4th.
Stephen Hunter (24) registered his 9th win in the plate on the Ger Lyons-trained outsider, Benwilt Gold in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Hcap.
Under top-weight, the 4yo (gaining his fourth success), made all to triumph by 4 1/2L. Stable companion Masriynas Heiress was 4th whilst market-leader Trouville disappointed beating only one home.
Borrismore Lass, in the number one spot over a slightly longer trip at this course 12 days ago, followed up for the Kilkenny trainer/rider combination of John OShea and Shane Gorey.
Hitting the front three furlongs out in the Mace N.I. Champion Apprentice Hcap, the Presenting mare kept going well to defeat fellow 7/2 joint favourite, Supercat by 3 1/2L.
