Limestone Lad thrilled the Punchestown crowd when showing all the fighting qualities he is famed for to deny favourite Ned Kelly in a memorable Morgiana Hurdle on Saturday.
Without a win over two miles since the corresponding race two years ago, the Bowe family's pride and joy soon adopted his customary position at the head of affairs.
However, he appeared to be in trouble when his big rival ranged up on the outside entering the straight under Norman Williamson.
A good jump by Ned Kelly at the final flight took him two lengths clear, but Limestone Lad was far from done with, and rallied strongly to get back up close home and complete a double for Paul Carberry.
'He's an out and out stayer, and the softer ground probably helped him,' said a jubilant Michael Bowe of the ever-popular nine year-old, who will now head for the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
He is likely to face a rematch with the runner-up there, according to Edward O'Grady. 'The winner is not a horse to get into a battle with, but we live to fight another day,' he opined after his charge's initial defeat over hurdles.
Bookmaker reaction saw Ned Kelly pushed out to 14/1 for the Champion Hurdle with Cashmans, while Limestone Lad is available at 13/2 for the Stayers with Paddy Power.
Moscow Flyer (4/5-4/6) continued his education over fences when duly following up his Down Royal success in the Craddoxtown Novice Chase under Barry Geraghty.
The seven year-old jumped well throughout to dispose of Masalarian and co by four lengths, earning a 7/1 quote for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham from Cashmans in the process.
'That was great,' said a clearly delighted Jessica Harrington afterwards. 'He winged his fences when Barry asked him, and was just idling after the last.'
Leopardstown's Denny Gold Medal Novice Chase on St. Stephen's Day is next on the winner's agenda.
Missing You Too initiated the Carberry brace when notching up her second victory over flights in the opening juvenile hurdle, holding the staying-on King's Opera by a length.
'Paul said she was cantering all the way, and we'll probably keep going with her,' said trainer Noel Meade, who revealed that about 25% of his string are coughing at the moment.
Joe Cullen (6/4-4/1) belied a marked lack of market confidence with an authoritative triumph in the 2m hurdle, heading long-time leader Winter Man at the last for a five-length verdict.
Willie Mullins will consider the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown and Newbury's Tote Gold Trophy as possible targets for the River Falls gelding.
