Solerina was eclipsed in the feature event, the Ballymore Properties Champion Stayers' Hurdle, on day three of the Punchestown Festival, with the race going instead to 25/1 outsider Carlys Quest.
Solerina, under Shay Barry, attempted to make all but was unable to maintain her gallop and eventually trailing in a well beaten fifth behind the Ferdy Murphy trained winner.
The surprised winning trainer later revealed 'we came here just hoping to gain some place money but the horse is a bit peculiar and often stays on very well in the closing stages of his races.'
Winning rider, Keith Mercer, 23 from Liverpool, has improved out of all recognition in recent seasons and he was riding his 50th career success, adding to his recent win in the Scottish Grand National.
Regarding the reason for Solerina's defeat, owner John Bowe reported 'either she didn't stay or it's the end of a very long season; we find it hard to believe she didn't stay though.'
The Grade 1 Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase went to War Of Attrition, under Conor O'Dwyer, who arrived late to deny Watson Lake (who blundered badly two out and was slow at the last) close home.
Winning trainer Mouse Morris later reported 'War Of Attrition has had his problems over the season but needs a trip to be seen at his best. We can now start dreaming over the summer!'
The first of three Grade 1 races, the Colm McEvoy Auctioneers Champion Four Year Old Hurdle, went for export, with United winning for English trainer Lucy Wadham.
Afterwards, Wadham mentioned 'Leighton (Aspell, jockey) said she was always travelling very well and after that performance, we have to give next season's Champion Hurdle some thought.'
A task for Irish trainers during the next jump season must surely be to recapture the La Touche Cup from trainer Enda Bolger, who, with Good Step's help, has now won the past eight renewals of the banks race.
The Co Limerick trainer's horses have been putting better quality animals in their place over the banks course for years and the 2005 renewal of the race saw Bolger's Good Step beat stablemate Shady Lad in a thrilling finish.
On the run to the last, a Bolger one-two was inevitable with Shady Lad looking the most likely winner under Nina Carberry.
However, Good Step responded well under a forceful John Thomas McNamara ride to eventually win by half a length in a vintage renewal.
Afterwards a delighted Bolger reported 'it's brilliant to win the race again and both horses received excellent rides.'
Trainer Charles Byrnes, on the mark in shameful circumstances in an infamous bumper at Cork recently, landed his customary touch in the handicap hurdle with Gortinard, who received a powerful ride from Andrew McNamara.
Noel Meade's No Half Session landed the handicap chase while the opening Bishopscourt Cup Hunters Chase went to Ger Keane's Mac Robin.
