Moscow Express sprang a surprise in the Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Chase and upset warm fav. Knife Edge (1/1-9/10f) in the process to complete a memorable 259/1 treble for Ruby Walsh.
Frances Crowley admitted to be surprised after the 1999 Galway Plate hero stayed on under a determined drive to edge past Knife Edge after the last en route to victory.
'That was a bit of a surprise especially on that ground. He hated it. He's 4th or 5th reserve for the Grand Cup in Japan and I'd like him to go there if he got in. He's also entered for the William Hill Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.'
Meanwhile a disappointed Michael O'Brien reflected on Knife Edge, who is now 8/1 (from 6's) for the Arkle;
'I expected him to pick up when Tom (Rudd)asked him but he didn't. He still goes for the Arkle and hopefully that race will be a help.'
Macs Gildoran justified considerable support in the ring when getting the better of Risk Accessor after a tremendous tussle from the final flight in the Woodlands Park 100 Johnstown Novice Hurdle.
Ruby Walsh, successful earlier aboard Michael Hourigan's Just Our Job in the 2m handicap hurdle, conjured up a renewed effort on Willie Mullins' 6/4 favourite to outpoint Charlie Swan's mount, Risk Accessor in a thriller.
'I was delighted with that and he vindicated what I thought of him beforehand. Hopefully he could be a Gold Cup horse some day - I have great faith in the horse,' remarked Mullins.
The Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham next month is next for Macs Gildoran where he is a best priced 20/1.
Sackville remains unchanged at 5/1 with Cashmans for next month's Sun Alliance Chase after he completed his domestic campaign with a workmanlike 5L victory over River Clodagh in the Nas Na Riogh Chase.
'He's very lazy at home and wouldn't be that keen on that ground (officially yielding-soft),' said trainer Frances Crowley, who also revealed that Goldstreet, will represent her at the Festival (Triumph Hurdle) next month.
Michael Hourigan, who nominated Aintree for his earlier winner Just Our Job, completed a double in the 3m handicap hurdle with the improving Mr Red Banner, who is been aimed for the Coral Cup.
Leslie Young's Native Jack (4/1-8/1) defied a winners penalty in emphatic style under Philip Fenton when drawing steadily clear in the straight to slam Hour Of Need in the finale. BF
