Dounikos and Keith Donoghue on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Dounikos at 28/1 led home a Gigginstown one-two in the two and a half mile beginners' chase at Gowran Park.
The six-year-old gelding tracked Tin Soldier and Monbeg Notorious and made his move on the inner approaching the second last.
The complexion of the race changed dramatically as the pushed along Tin Soldier (4/5f) made a mistake and fell as he was challenged by the other pair.
Dounikos assumed the lead but still had stablemate Monbeg Notorious in close pursuit.
It was Dounikos who stayed on strongly to beat Monbeg Notorious (2/1) by three and a quarter lengths.
Jockey Keith Donoghue said: "I was tracking him (Tin Soldier) away coming into the straight and I had loads of horse. I thought he would have needed the run but I'd say he just improved for a fence. He's a real big typical Gigginstown horse, a real chaser.
He jumped brilliantly. When Davy (Russell) got stood down I rang Gordon (Elliott) to see if I could switch to Monbeg Notorious and he said 'no, stay on him'. Good job I didn't!
"I got a good spin around, I just followed the two fancied ones and he did it well. I'd say there is more to come from him."
Assistant trainer Davy Condon added: "He enjoyed being fresh and jumped super. He'll probably make a better chaser than hurdler and Keith was delighted with the way he jumped and he never put a foot wrong. He'll be a good horse for the winter.
"Monbeg Notorious ran alright and Sean (Flanagan) said he took a blow. They (him and Dounikos) are the other way around fitness-wise, so you'd be happy with him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
