Local trainer Sean Treacy recorded his biggest win to-date when saddling the front-running Be My Belle to land the 75,000 euro IAWS Thyestes Handicap Chase.
The 7yo mare, who was 9lb out of the handicap, kept on gamely under Timmy Murphy when challenged in the straight to hold Takagi by 2 1/2L with Kirmar 5L further adrift in third.
'I think she is best going right-handed, and the new e50,000 mares chase at Thurles next Thursday and the Irish National (providing the ground is soft) are the targets,' said a delighted Treacy.
Takagi is likely to head next for the National Trial at Punchestown, while The Bunny Boiler (eighth) will be given a break before aiming at the Martell Grand National.
Satco Express graduated from novice company to land the Grade 3 Gouldings Richland Galmoy Hurdle, making all under Charlie Swan to beat Rostropovich by 1 1/2L.
Trainer Eamonn 'Dusty' Sheehy mapped out plans for his charge saying, 'He'll go next for the Boyne Hurdle at Navan. He won't beat Limestone Lad but it will sharpen him up for the 3m novice hurdle at Aintree.'
Doora Volunteer, well-backed when bolting before the start and withdrawn at Punchestown last Saturday, made amends when easily landing the 2m4f handicap chase.
Shay Barry's mount also adopted forcing tactics, stretching clear well over 1/2m out to beat Garvivonnian by 13L.
Colnel Rayburn signed off his hurdling career on a winning note when readily justifying good support under John Cullen in the 2m1f handicap hurdle.
'He's a very big horse (18 hands), and goes chasing now. He needs a galloping track and heavy ground and, probably because of his size, his hurdling technique is not the best,' said trainer Paul Nolan.
Nolan later completed a double when newcomer Windswept Leader (Aidan Fitzgerald) edged out Move Yourself and Mitchelstown in a thrilling conclusion to the bumper.
The 2m4f novice chase provided another cracking three-way photo-finish, with Nomadic (9/4-7/4) getting up close home under Paul Carberry to touch off Star Performance and Hedgehunter.
Angel's Folly just held the renewed effort of Statim on the run-in to take the juvenile maiden hurdle for Ruby Walsh and Frances Crowley.
The runner-up lost significant ground when stumbling before three out, nearly unseating David Casey who later regained his irons.
Alan Magee
