Dermot Weld had a mixed day at Killarney, saddling a double but also seeing Ansar return a sick horse after a disappointing effort in the feature.
The popular campaigner was sent off 4/7f for the ladbrokes.com Hurdle but was struggling from four out and dropped away tamely to finish last.
Adamant Approach was left to cruise into the lead three out, under Richard Kiely, and he pulled clear before the penultimate flight for an easy 12-length success.
Ansar was found to have mucus in his lungs after the race: 'He blew very hard and has a heavy head cold,' reported Weld.
'We scoped him two days ago and he was perfect. The idea was to go for the Kerry National but he'll have to go on a course of antibiotics now and it might come too soon. Another option is the Breeders Cup Chase.'
Winning jockey Kiely was delighted with the performance of the veteran Adamant Approach: 'He felt more like a six-year-old today!'
Weld had better fortune elsewhere on the card as Stolen Light and Lowlander both benefited from fine riding performances.
Amateur pilot Robbie McNamara came in for praise after giving Stolen Light a terrific ride from the front in the Murphy & Moloney Developers Novice Hurdle.
Challengers lined up behind the gelding at the third last but McNamara kept him going strongly to get home by three-parts of a length from Holy Tree.
'He's going to be one of the leading amateurs in the country within the next two years,' declared Weld. 'He's an intelligent top-class young rider who is improving all the time.'
Ruby Walsh gave yet another display of his brilliance in the saddle when producing Lowlander with a perfectly timed challenge to lead at the last in the FAXCO Asset Finance Handicap Chase.
Another amateur to shine was Richard McLernon aboard Head Waiter in the opening Niell Brosnan & Co. 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
The jumping debutant was at the head of affairs throughout before pulling clear in the straight for a cosy five-length victory. An amateur contest on the Flat at Listowel is next up.
Fivestar Alstars could also head to Listowel after asserting two out to land the AIB Killarney Handicap Hurdle.
Kadiskar made a wining return to action when leading two out to claim the Torc Travel Beginners Chase.
