Tony Martin hit the bookies hard again at Navan on Sunday when Royal County Star landed a monster gamble in the Williamhill.ie Troytown Handicap Chase.
The gelding, backed from 7/1 in the morning to 100/30f on course, had to survive a scare at the second last, however, before claiming the 100,000 event.
Robbie Colgan moved his mount up into a challenging position approaching the penultimate fence but lost his momentum as he collided with News Item.
The gelding had enough in the tank, however, to challenge again after the last and wear down Gazza's Girl on the run-in for a length victory.
'I got some fright at the second last!' admitted Martin. 'The jockey was very good. He's been with me the last couple of years and with Carberry and Walsh not around I had no hesitation in using him - he's one of the best around.'
Plans are fluid for the winner with Martin saying: 'He has lots of options and I wouldn't like to commit to anything just yet. He's in the Paddy Power and the Welsh National but if the ground was heavy he would be very doubtful.'
Bookmakers were left counting their loses but Martin had little sympathy: 'It's great to see them getting cleaned!'
The Monksfield Novice Hurdle turned into a terrific duel between Rathmore Castle and Gem Daly with the former edging the verdict by a head.
David Casey moved the 11/4f up to challenge front-runner Gem Daly four out and though he gained a narrow advantage before the third last he couldn't shake off his rival, who proved a dogged adversary.
'He'll probably come back here in three weeks time (for the Grade 1 Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle) depending on how he comes out of this,' said trainer Maureen Danagher.
'He's entered anyway. He has never gone on soft ground before today and it would be a concern if it was very soft then.'
Murtagh did it the hard way on his jumping debut when making all, under Paddy Flood, in the opening 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
Michael Halford's charge responded gamely when strongly pressed by Dani California before the last and held off his persistent challenge by a head.
'Michael has always liked the horse and he has always worked well,' said Halford's partner Louise Boswell. 'It's surprising he didn't win his maiden on the Flat.'
'He had done plenty of schooling and we were confident today. Paddy said he felt like a nice horse.' The winner is generally available at 33/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.
Roger Loughran was sent to hospital for an x-ray after the first with Dr Walter Halley reporting that he was suffering from 'right-sided chest pain'.
Knocknabooly is set to turn his attentions to chasing after running out a stylish winner of the williamhillcasino.com Handicap Hurdle.
Davy Condon delayed his challenge until the last on the gelding and he responded well on the run-in to score by two lengths from Here Comes Sally.
Paul Carberry and Noel Meade combined for a double courtesy of Mr Muji and Charlie Yardbird.
Mr Muji was produced at the last and survived an untidy leap to run out a convincing three-length winner of the two-mile maiden hurdle.
Charlie Yardbird made most of the running in the beginners chase and responded well when tackled by Ballintra Boy, two out, to score by three lengths.
