Aldhaher Beebers bounced back from something of a lean spell to turn over hot favourite Model Athlete in the F.B.D Insurance Hurdle at Kilbeggan.
The 8-1 chance, blinkered for the first time, was settled in third by David Casey for much of the three-mile contest, allowing Noel Meade's hat-trick-seeker to bowl along at the head of affairs.
However, Aldhaher Beebers was pushed into the lead after jumping three from home and Maurice Phelan's charge responded well to his rider's urgings to score by seven lengths, registering his first success since August last year.
Negus confirmed the promise of his debut effort over obstacles with victory in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil Maiden Hurdle.
Edward O'Grady's charge, second in Listed company on the level in Germany, finished eighth on his first attempt over timber at the Punchestown Festival and was sent off the 4-6 favourite for this lesser event.
Close to the pace throughout under Andrew McNamara, he took up the running in the back straight and barely came off the bridle to beat long-time leader Our Refusal by three lengths.
The hard-luck story of the race was La Verna, who looked a potential place-getter when he was hampered and slipped up in the latter stages.
Zita Hall got her head in front for the first time when battling to victory in the Loughnagore Maiden Hurdle.
The 25-1 chance looked booked for minor honours with joint-favourite Sinead's Lady still travelling strongly after two from home, but she managed to nip up the inside on the final turn and ran on well to score by a comfortable eight lengths.
John Kiely's King Rama (11-8) looked different class in the Belvedere House Gardens/Park Handicap Hurdle, making smooth progress from the rear under Paul Carberry to take over approaching the last before skipping clear to win by an easy four lengths from Youngborogal.
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