Smuggler's Song, a moderate fifth on his hurdling debut last month after a profitable flat campaign which included a Curragh Listed success last May, battled back gamely to pip market rival Statim in the 4-y-o hurdle.
Charlie Swan elected to make the running on the former Charles O'Brien inmate and after relinquishing the advantage the 5/4f conjured up a renewed effort on the punishing uphill climb to the line to land the spoils by a neck for absent Curragh trainer Christy Roche and owner JP McManus.
Conor O'Dwyer was stood down for the remainder of the day after his mount Gadol was brought down in the early stages.
'I got a kick on my elbow but thankfully it's ok and I will be alright to ride at Leopardstown tomorrow,' said O'Dwyer on leaving the course.
Rio Diamond, described afterwards by trainer Paul Lenihan as ' an immature 7yo' followed up on his CD success recorded last month with a comprehensive 14L success in the hands of Derek O'Connor in the 3m handicap chase.
'We'll give him a break and he'll have one more run before we put him out to grass. He won't be abused,' said Lenihan.
Paul Carberry and Turn Two sprouted wings from the final fence to wear down Some Buzz close home in the Opera Hat Beginners Chase after which there was a minutes silence for Opera Hat's former rider Anthony Powell, who was tragically killed in a car accident on Wednesday evening.
Ticker was the toast of the layers after scoring by the minimum margin at odds of 20/1 from well supported Airolo (5/1-10/3) with even money favourite Marigold a disappointing 7th in the 2m maiden hurdle.
Punters suffered a further setback in the two mile handicap hurdle when thirteen-year-old Stradbally Hall sprang a 33/1 shock to provide Gowran handler Dick Donohoe with his first success since August last year.
Surprisingly, the veteran was the subject of 'an improvement in form' inquiry after which the explanation by Donohoe was noted.
Coolnahilla was all the rage for the next, tumbling from 6/1 to start a warm 7/2f, and supporters can be grateful for a miraculous recovery performed by rider Keith Hadnett after his mount clobbered the obstacle when in front.
Hadnett defied the laws of gravity by keeping the partnership intact and got his mount back on an even keel to come home ahead of Dunowen and Murolook.
Racing concluded with 50/1 shot Triple Rum, supported at 100/1 with one leading layer, coming home with 4L to spare in the hands of Denis Cullen.
