Dermot Weld added another big prize to his staggering list of Galway wins when course specialist Ansar captured the #110,000 Guinness Galway Hurdle at a sun-drenched Ballybrit.
A winner here on Monday, the five year-old was produced with a perfectly-timed challenge by Paul Carberry to maintain his 100% record at the Western venue with an impressive three-length triumph over The Gatherer.
'Today was the day !' admitted the delighted trainer afterwards. 'We've had this race in mind for some time, and I thought Paul gave him a lovely ride.
'He's a horse who jumps very well, and is probably better over hurdles than on the flat,' continued Weld, who may now aim Ansar at the English Cesarewitch.
The Rosewell House maestro soon moved on to the seven-winner mark for the week when veteran Celtic Lore stepped up on yesterday's fourth placing with a game effort in the 1m4f handicap.
The nine year-old had 3/4 length in hand of the never-nearer Keeping The Faith at the line.
Golden Row (9/4-4/1) just got up to pip Hill Port in the dying strides in a gripping conclusion to the 2m4f novice hurdle.
Charles Byrnes' rangy gelding came out best in a three-way struggle with the runner-up and favourite The Baltimore Man and will be kept on the go for the foreseeable future, with Tralee and Listowel likely targets.
Carina Bay, narrowly defeated by Hardiman earlier in the week, went one better with a determined display in the opening 2m1f novice chase.
Coq De Mirande adopted his customary front-running tactics here, but as at Wexford last time was eventually reeled in by Sean Treacy's charge, who went on to score by eleven lengths.
'That was a very courageous performance, and I'm delighted with the horse,' said Treacy. 'He's very consistent and always gives his best,' he added.
Conor O'Dwyer, rider of the second, was severely cautioned by the stewards to be more determined in his efforts in future.
Pat Hughes has his team in tremendous form at present, and that great servant Akasian boosted his tally further when defying the steadier of twelve stone in the 3m handicap hurdle.
The Carlow handler will now send his charge over fences on the final day of the festival after this easy nine-length success.
Heavily-backed favourite Silver Dagger (7/4-5/4-11/8) let his supporters down in the 1m handicap, finishing well down the field behind comfortable winner Gerobies Girl.
Michael Halford's filly swept to the front inside the final furlong to record a 2 1/2 length verdict over Common Venture.
The 7f handicap saw another plunge go badly wrong as Markskeepingfaith, backed from 8/1 to 7/2, beat only three home.
Leaffoney landed the spoils here, swooping late under Tom Queally to collar Basin Street Blues after the latter looked to have pinched a decisive advantage.
The bookmakers had the final say as usual when Paul Roche, whose Sheer Tenby won the McDonagh Handicap on Tuesday, sent out Fey Macha to oblige at 25/1.
