Ruby Walsh enjoyed a fine afternoon at Saturday's additional fixture at Punchestown, notching up a near 18/1 double via An Modh Direach and One Night Out.
The first-named had little difficulty rattling up his four-timer in the Kilteel Handicap Chase, dishing out a ten-length beating to dead-heaters Mumaris and Jamica Plane.
'He's better off giving weight away to horses of that type than receiving it off the better ones,' said a delighted Ted Walsh afterwards.
One Night Out benefitted from a patient ride to run out an easy winner of the 2m6f novice hurdle, heading the hard-ridden Rule Supreme over the final flight for an eight-length success.
Walsh was out of luck in the Brannockstown Handicap Hurdle, where his mount Killultagh Rose could manage only third after being badly hampered by a faller at halfway.
Instead it was leading conditional rider Jimmy Mansell who moved on to the nineteen mark for the season as Snowy Ford made it three wins from his last four starts with another tenacious effort.
John Cullen was seen at his best when forcing Copernicus home ahead of favourite Masalarian in the Carnalway Novice Chase.
Pat Hughes' seven year-old looked to be in trouble when joined by his market rival approaching the final fence, but a better leap saw him regain the initiative before going on to score by a length.
'That was a good ride by John,' said Hughes. 'This horse is in the Irish National, but would be unlikely to run if Commanche Court took his chance. Liverpool is another possibility,' he added.
7/2 shot Be My Belle, who paid a whopping E13.90 for a win on the Tote, returned to form with an authoritative victory in the opening Athgarvan Hurdle, with Grand National hope Papillon a staying-on fourth.
The Mares' Novice Final at Fairyhouse over Easter is next on the agenda for Sean Treacy's charge, while the Punchestown festival will also be considered.
Barry Geraghty was unfortunate to miss out on a winner aboard Royal Jake, who coasted home on a tight rein in the Punchestown Event Centre Handicap Chase.
Geraghty was unable to get down to 10-3 due to a fault with the sauna at the course, and was forced to watch as supersub Martin Mooney did the steering to round off a great day for Noel Meade, who also took the Midlands National at Uttoxeter with The Bunny Boiler.
