After the scare of seeing The Deadly pull up apparently injured after the fifth in the maiden hurdle (subsequently fine), Eamonn Sheehys day brightened considerably later on.
The Co. Kilkenny trainer unleashed a potential chasing star in the novice event, Justified putting in a faultless exhibition with an all-the-way 9L relentless galloping success.
Completing a double, his first wins since returning from injury, Shay Barry was aboard the son of Leading Counsel who was cut in all ante-post lists for Cheltenhams Arkle Chase.
Sheehy said afterwards, 'the pressure is off and I am delighted with him. He was with Con Power for ten days and he did a marvellous job with his jumping.
'He will go somewhere between now and the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown but I am not sure where yet. He loves his racing and will improve for this run.'
Wild Passions defection from the Listed Hurdle because of the ground saw his stable companion, Rocket Ship deputise, just three days after his last appearance, at Cork.
However, despite finding 4/5 from a show of 11/10, the 5yo could not raise his effort from before the straight, beaten a total of 16L into 3rd.
Rooftop Protest (a drifter as far as 11/4 before settling on 5/2), regained an earlier lead before 4 out, and drew clear after the penultimate flight to beat Master Albert by an easy 12L.
Tom Hogan said of the David Flannery-ridden victor in the aftermath, 'if there was a Special Olympics for horses he would win a gold medal.
'One of his pasterns is an inch and a half longer than the other but he has the heart of a lion and he has won more than we ever thought possible.'
His bumper form may stand up to close scrutiny but The Looney Bishop was still allowed to go off at 16/1 for the maiden hurdle in a field full of promise.
Defying those odds, Tom Nagles charge, in the hands of Joey Elliott, drew on his deep reserves of stamina to beat Corrigeenroe by 1 1/2L.
There was further Cork cheer following the hcap hurdle, the Liam OBrien-trained Heronstown initiating Shay Barrys brace.
'He is so tough, but he needed a big National Hunt jockey like Ruby (Walsh) to get the best out of him,' explained Frances Crowley after her Kells Castle took the opener.
Walsh led or disputed throughout on the grey but he just held off the late surge of Mondego. Eight to one was taken about the head winner, he being returned a 7/1 shot.
Edward OGrady saddled a one two in the hcap chase, Mamouna Gale in the hands of Barry Geraghty beating Colonel Monroe by 6L.
A daughter of the prolific winning mare, Cailin Supreme, newcomer, Saddleeruppat, in the same colours as Lord Archie, ran away with the bumper under Donie Fahey for Joanna Morgan.
Paying E109.90 on the tote, the 33/1 shot was providing a birthday present for her trainer who today celebrated her 52nd.
