Tony Martin's yard has been out of form recently but he saddled Dantes Reef to win the Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase at Thurles today.
Ruby Walsh's mount raced in last position for much of the race before being produced to lead after the second last fence, despite pecking on landing.
The son of Phardante eventually proved six lengths too strong for Oh Be The Hokey with the winner's stablemate and former Irish Grand National winner Davids Lad well back in eighth.
A relieved Martin later stated 'I have forgotten what it has been like to talk to the press recently!', adding 'Dante's Reef has let us down with his jumping on a few occasions but things worked out well today. We'll go for something similar again now.'
Regarding Davids Lad, he mentioned 'if he gets into the Aintree Grand National he'll run but, unfortunately, at 10st he may not get a run. He may still be capable of winning a staying chase at some stage from his current rating.'
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase lacked a little on quality and was won by Dessie Hughes' Lorna's Lady, who benefited from the fall of leader Hits And Memories at the second last.
Hits And Memories held a length lead when crumpling on landing leaving Lorna's Lady to come home an unchallenged, if leg weary, twenty length winner.
Hughes was one of the first to admit how fortunate his mare was and added 'she has a lovely pedigree and will now run in another chase before going to stud.'
Lorna's Lady's jockey Paddy Flood was again on the mark in the Tipperary Novice Handicap Hurdle, with Earlyinthemorning, who has a date with the auctioneer next week according to his relieved trainer, Jim Gorman.
Gorman endured a frustrating run last year and indicated that his 6yo son of Earl Of Barking is now likely to fulfil an engagement at Goffs on Tuesday.
Michael O'Brien's Doctor Linton ran out the seven length winner of the Ballynonty Maiden Hurdle, the first leg of a double for jockey Tom Ryan.
Ryan's second winner was on board Tom Hogan's Hasty Second, who finally lost her maiden status in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle.
Hogan later joked that the mare 'no longer lives up to her name!' before added 'she is a really gutsy mare and this win isn't before time.'
The opening Killinan Beginners Chase went to Christy Roche's Twist'N'Shout, under good three pound claimer Mark Walsh.
According to Roche, JP McManus' winner 'may eventually find better opportunities in England for Jonjo O'Neill.'
