Charlie Swan took the training honours as Back In Thyne produced a determined effort to capture the featured Powers Ulster National at Downpatrick.
The 3m4f contest developed into a real stamina test, with Mark Madden's mount delving deep into his reserves to get the better of gallant veteran Pauls Run on the long run-in.
Swan was not present but Madden said afterwards : 'That's the most important win of my career. I was always going well, although Wolseley Lord (who led until falling five out) might have been hard to catch.'
Johnston's Flyer, third to I Got It at Leopardstown on Sunday, turned out again quickly to secure the opener under Danny Howard, who was recording his debut victory at the track.
'That was a big drop in class for her, and she will probably go for a 'winners of one' before going over fences later,' said trainer Michael O'Brien.
The Kildare handler later completed a double when On The Mend ended a frustrating sequence of placed efforts with victory in the beginners chase.
Jolly Sharp, formerly trained by Henry Cecil but now under the care of Kevin O'Brien, made virtually all to deny favourite Stashedaway in the 4 and 5 year-old maiden.
The Diesis gelding, supported at fancy prices in the morning before eventually being returned at 11/2, stayed on well to score by seven lengths.
