Douvan stretched his unbeaten run over fences to seven with a facile success in the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Cork.
Last season's Arkle Trophy hero got his campaign off to flying start by completely outclassing the opposition.
Understandably fresh after a break of 227 days, Douvan was sent straight to the front from flag-fall by Paul Townend and jumped well in the main, with just the odd minor error, most notably at the third-last.
Townend turned the screw on the 1-6 shot from four out and the result was never in doubt as Douvan cruised 22 lengths clear of Days Hotel.
Mozoltov fell three from home and brought down Grand National fourth Gilgamboa, while The Game Changer was pulled up.
Douvan's success completed a quick big-race double for owner Rich Ricci and trainer Willie Mullins, following Djakadam's victory in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.
Townend said: "He was awesome. He was a bit gassy early, but it was his first run of the year and did everything right.
"He was in front a long time and it (mistake at the third-last) probably opened his eyes for him and then he winged the second-last.
"I'm very, very fortunate to be getting the ride when Ruby (Walsh) couldn't be here and thanks to Willie and Mr Ricci for the ride."
Dinaria Des Obeaux made an impressive jumping debut when storming to victory in the Galtee 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
The filly, trained by Gordon Elliott, cruised into the lead after the third-last flight and quickly stamped her authority on proceedings.
Jack Kennedy was able to coast home on the 6-1 shot, who led home a one-two for owners Gigginstown House Stud with Tout Est Permis, trained by Mouse Morris, 29 lengths behind in second.
"She goes about her business without pulling up trees at home and that surprised us," said Elliott's assistant, Olly Murphy.
"She travelled and jumped great and if you backed her, you wouldn't have done a whole lot of sweating!"
Dr Mikey made all the running to deny Elliott and Kennedy a quick double with Woods Well in the Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle.
The Margaret Flynn-trained seven-year-old pulled out more for rider B J Foley in the closing stages when Woods Well closed-in on the leader.
Dr Mikey pulled away from his fellow 7-4 joint-favourite on the run-in to score by six lengths. Black Ace was two and a quarter lengths away in third place.
Rathnure Rebel (9-2) made all the running to lead home the second one-two on the card for Gigginstown in the Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle.
Relishing the step up to three miles, Noel Meade's six-year-old gave Sean Flanagan an armchair ride to take the Grade Three heat in good style.
Gigginstown's other runner, Monbeg Notorious, was sent off the 8-13 favourite but was clear second-best, some 11 lengths adrift at the line.
Flanagan said: "He came (from point to points) with a massive reputation and I suppose he has confirmed it today. They always said he wanted three miles and heavy ground.
"He travelled great the whole way and jumped better than he has ever done. He is a staying type on heavy ground and is improving."
Listen Dear took her 100% record over fences to three with an impressive all-the-way win in the Kerry Group EBF Mares Novice Chase.
The 4-7 favourite put in a superb round of jumping to complete a double for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend after the victory of Douvan in the feature Hilly Way Chase.
The six-year-old sealed victory when pinging the final fence to cross the line eight lengths clear of Misty Lady, proving another good winner for the Supreme Horse Racing Club after Airlie Beach at Fairyhouse last weekend.
Mullins's assistant David Casey said: "She was very impressive. She does her own thing and likes to get on with it and Paul said she was strong all the way today.
"She had been working great, we'll look for more mares' races and hopefully it is onwards and upwards for her."
