Jackpot punters can look forward to a massive carryover of e65,229 at Thurles tomorrow after a number of surprise results on a bitterly cold afternoon.
Just five horses were still holding units going into the final leg including Munchy Mike but he was unable to peg the 1/2L victor Supreme Du Casse (20/1, paid 52.10 on the Tote).
'She is a half-sister to Super Gale who goes for the Foxhunters at Cheltenham, and won a schooling bumper at Fairyhouse under Nina Carberry so I'm not that surprised,' said trainer Sneezy Foster.
Tony Martin recorded a double when saddling both divisions of the two miles handicap hurdle with Royal County Star and Hearthstead Dream.
Royal County Star (16/1, paid over 54/1 on the Tote) overcame a 14 months lay-off heading the well-backed favourite Baker's Bridge at the final flight, and kept on well for Danny Howrad to beat that rival by four lengths.
'He's had loads of problems and it's great to have him back. He won his point-to-point well, and hopefully can go on from here and will be chasing in time,' said Martin.
Hearthstead Dream (5/1-4/1) attracted more interest in the betting ring, making up significant ground approaching the last under Paul Carberry before surging past Tipper Road on the run-in to score by 3 1/2L.
David Casey moved onto the 40 winner mark for the season when partnering a quick-fire double in the opening two events aboard Sir Overbury and Drunken Disorderly.
Jazz Messenger's Cheltenham hopes were put on ice after the 8/13 favourite was readily turned over by Drunken Disorderly in the two miles novice hurdle.
Casey made most of the running on the six-year-old gelding, who kept on gamely when challenged off the home turn to beat the odds-on shot by three lengths.
'He's a three mile horse but just not strong enough for that yet. We'll find something similar for him,' said trainer David Wachman.
Sir Overbury, badly hampered when Reinedoff fell four out, showed great battling qualities and reserves of stamina to take the 2m4f winners hurdle.
Prideoftheyankees looked sure to score when quickening clear at the final bend but Sir Overbury, only sixth approaching the final hurdle, powered home to beat that rival by 1 1/2L.
'I always felt that he wanted at least two and a half miles, and David said he would like better ground,' said trainer Danny O'Connell of the successful pointer.
Willie Mullins Cheltenham bumper team got even stronger after Freds Benefit made a winning debut, going clear in the straight for Katie Walsh to beat Your Right Now by 15L.
'I'm delighted with that and he's been doing all the right things at home. It looks like all my winners except Black Harry will be going to Cheltenham,' said Mullins.
Jimmy Mangan, who saddled Montys Pass to take the 2003 Grand National, is starting to dream of a future candidate for Aintree glory after Conna Castle landed division one of the 2m maiden hurdle.
The seven-year-old gelding, already the winner of three point-to-points and two bumpers, was confidently ridden by National hero Barry Geraghty to easily beat Cosmo King by 3 1/2L.
'We went easy on him over the winter as he's not as effective on heavy ground, and he'll go to Aintree for a novice hurdle up to two and a half miles,' said Mangan.
When quizzed as to whether the gelding would stay further, he quipped, 'They say non-stayers can win the National!'
Alan Magee
