The last-flight fall of the mighty Istabraq in the AIB Hurdle was just one of a number of talking points as the Leopardstown festival belatedly came to a close in truly appalling conditions.
Aidan O'Brien's triple-champion had just come under pressure on the inside of a wave of four when crashing out, leaving Moscow Flyer to outpoint Stage Affair in a dour struggle to the line.
Luckily, Istabraq escaped apparently unscathed from the tumble and is likely to renew rivalry with the winner in the AIG Champion Hurdle next month after this rare setback.
'He needed the run badly as he was heavier than ever before today, and I'll discuss plans with JP (McManus),' said O'Brien.
Bookmaker reaction saw the gelding pushed out to 1/1 for a record fourth success in the opening-day highlight at Prestbury Park.
Jessica Harrington meanwhile was delighted with this deserved success for her stable star.
'I know Istabraq was having his first run, and we got lucky but I feel our fellow is entitled to take his chance in the Champion Hurdle after that,' reasoned the trainer.
The featured Ericsson Chase produced a tremendous spectacle, and for the second consecutive year it was Rince Ri who came out on top.
Favourite Native Upmanship could never get in a blow as the winner battled with old Dorans Pride and Nick Dundee approaching the final fence.
The latter, running a fantastic race on only his second outing after a long absence, tired into third on the run-in as Ruby Walsh kept his father Ted's star up to his work to earn a quote of 12/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
'He's proved that he goes on all types of ground, and I may run him in the Pillar Chase next month to give him more experience of the fences over there' said the winning trainer.
Edward O'Grady was understandably delighted with Nick Dundee.
'Hopefully he is on the way back, and that should leave him right for the Hennessy,' said the Ballynonty handler.
Bannow Bay, subject of an 'injudicious ride' when narrowly defeated at Navan last time, made amends with a fine performance under new pilot Charlie Swan in the 3m hurdle.
Held up towards the rear for most of the journey, the half-brother to Mighty Moss cruised to the front early in the straight and settled the issue with an extravagant leap at the last.
Christy Roche feels that he could have a genuine Stayers' Hurdle contender on his hands, and with Limestone Lad out of action for the immediate future that looks a fair assertion.
The withdrawal of Sackville robbed the valuable 3m novice chase of much of its interest, and in his absence Over The Furze ran out an impressive winner.
John Berry's mud-lover jumped superbly on his way to a three-length defeat of Rose Of Inchiquin, with fellow 5/4jf Arctic Copper back in third.
'That was the plan.' said the trainer afterwards.
'He loves those conditions - thank God it rained !' he added, revealing that his charge will have probably just two more outings before being roughed off for the season.
Michael Mor continued his rise up the ranks of staying hurdlers with an emphatic victory in the 2m4f novice event.
Barry Geraghty produced his mount with a strong challenge on the outside in the straight, and a good jump at the final flight sealed a twelve-length verdict over Glens Music.
Moving On Up appreciated the testing conditions when getting the better of Darapour and the flattering Wild Arms a thrilling three-way tussle for the 2m handicap hurdle.
Kilcash Castle (5/2jf) gave Aidan O'Breen some cheer when taking the 2m maiden hurdle in good style, while Macs Gildoran (6/4f) sent punters home happy when sluicing up in the bumper.
Willie Mullins' imposing sort looks sure to go on to better things after this triumph.
